This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is fresh, colorful, and perfect for sunny days! With juicy chicken, pasta, and tasty veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers, it’s a hit!
I love tossing in some feta for a salty zing. Honestly, it’s like a mini vacation on a plate! Perfect for picnics or quick weeknight dinners—so easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This shape holds the dressing well, but you can use any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Whole wheat pasta is also a great option for added fiber.
Chicken Breasts: Feel free to swap in cooked rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken for convenience. Tofu can work for a vegetarian version, too!
Feta Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or mozzarella for a milder taste. Nutritional yeast can substitute for a dairy-free option!
Olives: Kalamata olives add a rich flavor, but you can replace them with green olives or capers if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly for This Salad?
Cooking chicken can be straightforward if you follow these steps to ensure it’s juicy and well-seasoned. Here’s how:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding the chicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to help enhance the flavor.
- Cook the chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes, flipping them to achieve a nice browning on all sides.
- Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer if you have it!
- Let the chicken cool a bit before adding it to the pasta to keep it tender.
This technique helps keep the chicken moist and packed with flavor, making it a delicious addition to your salad. Happy cooking!
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any other short pasta)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh Veggies and Cheese:
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator for the best flavor melding. In total, set aside about 1 hour for prep and chilling time—perfect for enjoying with friends or family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help cool it down quickly. Set the pasta aside while you get the chicken ready!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooled chicken, halved grape tomatoes, sliced cucumber, chopped yellow bell pepper, diced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, and chopped marinated artichokes. This is where all your fresh and vibrant ingredients come together!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until it is well blended and emulsified. This dressing will bring all the flavors to life!
5. Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture in the large bowl. Use a pair of tongs or a large spoon to gently toss everything together, ensuring all the ingredients are nicely coated in that delicious dressing.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the salad. This adds a beautiful pop of color and a burst of flavor!
7. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to blend beautifully.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
When you’re ready to dig in, serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your tasty Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad!
FAQs about Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is an excellent substitute and adds extra fiber. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as whole wheat pasta may take a bit longer to reach al dente.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, omit the chicken entirely and add extra veggies like roasted zucchini or bell peppers. You can also include chickpeas for added protein!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, you may want to add more dressing before serving if it seems dry.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize this salad by adding ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even artichoke hearts. Just keep in mind that it may alter the overall flavor.
