This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and fresh veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers. A zesty dressing brings it all together!
This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or picnic. I love how it’s light yet filling—plus, it tastes even better the next day! Who can resist a plate of pasta that’s this easy to make? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using rotini for its shape, which holds onto the dressing. However, you can use any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta is also a great option for a gluten-free dish.
Chicken: Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor, or any leftover chicken you have on hand. Rotisserie chicken also works wonders for convenience, and it adds tons of flavor.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, but you can use any tomatoes you like. For a crunch, feel free to swap cucumbers for bell peppers or even zucchinis!
Kalamata Olives: These add a briny taste. If you don’t have them, any pitted olives can replace them, or you could leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.
Feta Cheese: Feta provides a tangy finish. If you’re not a fan, goat cheese or even mozzarella would be tasty options.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Isn’t Soggy?
To avoid a soggy pasta salad, the key is to cook your pasta just until al dente. Rinse it under cold water right after cooking to stop the cooking process. This stops it from absorbing too much dressing. Also, adding the dressing just before serving keeps the pasta fresh and firm.
- Cook pasta and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Mix the dressing ingredients separately to allow you to control how much you use.
- Combine everything and add the dressing shortly before serving.
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta), cooked and drained
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (grilled or pan-seared)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes in the fridge for the flavors to come together. So, in total, you can have a delicious Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This typically takes around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly. Set it aside.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, diced yellow bell pepper, Kalamata olives, chopped artichoke hearts, and finely chopped red onion. Stir gently to mix everything together.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined. This will be the zesty dressing that brings all the flavors to life!
4. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mix. Toss gently to ensure everything is coated evenly with the dressing. You want every bite to be flavorful!
5. Add Feta and Parsley:
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top of the salad. Do a light toss again to mix everything without breaking up the feta too much.
6. Chill & Serve:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your fresh, vibrant Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad!
Dig in and relish the delightful taste of sunny Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this salad. Just make sure it’s diced into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing!
What If I Don’t Have Certain Vegetables?
No problem! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to substitute any vegetables you have on hand, like zucchini instead of bell peppers or spinach instead of lettuce. Just aim for a nice mix of colors and textures!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks!
Can I Add More Protein?
Definitely! If you want to bulk up the protein, consider adding chickpeas, tuna, or even replacing chicken with shrimp. Just keep it balanced with the other ingredients!
