This colorful Mediterranean chicken pasta salad is bright and tasty! It’s made with juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a zesty dressing that brings it all together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini is great for holding sauces, but any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or shells works too! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be excellent substitutes if you’re looking for healthier options.
Cooked Chicken: I love using grilled chicken for that smoky flavor, but any cooked chicken works. Rotisserie chicken is super convenient! You can also use chickpeas if you’re going vegetarian.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of color and sweetness. If they aren’t in season, diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes would be tasty alternatives.
Kalamata Olives: For a rich, briny flavor, Kalamata olives are my go-to. If they’re not your favorite, green olives or even capers could work!
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a delightful creaminess. If you prefer a milder flavor, try using goat cheese or even ricotta. Stop by the dairy section for vegan alternatives if needed.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta to perfection is key to this salad! Aim for al dente, which means “to the bite.” Here’s how to do it:
- Bring plenty of salted water to a rapid boil.
- Add pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the pasta package for cooking times and taste it a minute early. It should be firm but not crunchy.
- Once cooked, drain it and immediately run under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta quickly.
Following these steps will keep your pasta from becoming mushy in the salad!
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta shape)
- 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 chopped
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time. Plus, you’ll want to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. So, in total, plan for about 45 minutes before you can dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking your rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite but not hard. Once done, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help cool the pasta quickly.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, diced yellow bell pepper, chopped olives, chopped artichoke hearts, and finely chopped red onion. Give everything a good mix!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure it’s well combined so every bite of salad is full of flavor!
4. Toss It All Together:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to ensure everything gets coated evenly. You want that delicious dressing on every piece!
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Now, sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley. Give it a light toss once more to mix these in without breaking the feta too much.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows all those lovely flavors to blend together beautifully!
7. Enjoy Your Creation!
When ready, serve your chilled salad either straight from the fridge or at room temperature. It’s fresh, tasty, and absolutely perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, you can use any short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Whole wheat and gluten-free pastas work just as well!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, chickpeas or other beans are a fantastic substitute. You could also use grilled tofu or a store-bought meat alternative for that protein boost!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle toss before serving as the ingredients may settle.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day ahead, and the flavors will just get better as they meld together. Just be sure to keep it chilled!
