Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its fun shape that holds onto the dressing. You can swap it for penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta if you want a healthier option.

Chicken Breasts: Diced chicken breasts are a great source of protein. You could replace them with rotisserie chicken for convenience or use chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!

Cherry Tomatoes: They add freshness and sweetness to the salad. If they’re not in season, use diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.

Kalamata Olives: These add a nice briny flavor. If you prefer, you can use green olives or skip them altogether if you’re not an olive fan.

Feta Cheese: Feta brings a creamy tanginess to the dish. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan feta or omit the cheese entirely.

How Do I Ensure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?

Cooking the pasta correctly is the base for this salad. Here are some tips to help you get it just right:

• Use plenty of salted water; this really enhances the pasta’s flavor.
• Keep an eye on the timer and check for the “al dente” texture — it should be firm but not hard.
• Once cooked, drain it and cool it under cold water immediately to stop further cooking and prevent it from becoming mushy.

What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken for this Salad?

Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to get it golden and juicy:

• Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Preheat your skillet and let it get hot before adding oil; this helps achieve that lovely golden color.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure they brown nicely.

With these tips, you’ll have a fresh and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad perfect for any occasion! Enjoy! 🍽️

Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 8 ounces rotini pasta (about 2 cups dry)
• 2 medium chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious salad takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick to prep, and once everything is combined, you can let it chill for an hour or two to let the flavors mingle. Perfect for a meal prep or a summer gathering!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.

2. Cook the Chicken:

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for flavor. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and allow the chicken to cool a bit before adding it to the pasta.

3. Prepare the Dressing:

In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. This dressing will add great flavor to your salad!

4. Combine the Salad Ingredients:

To the bowl with the cooled pasta, add the cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber rounds, diced yellow bell pepper, Kalamata olives, chopped artichokes, and finely chopped red onion. This colorful mix is making your salad exciting!

5. Dress the Salad:

Now, pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and give it a light mix to combine.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the salad for a vibrant finish. You can serve it immediately, or for enhanced flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy this refreshing salad chilled or at room temperature!

This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is not only fantastic for a light lunch or picnic but also makes great leftovers. Enjoy every bite! 🍽️

FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative for added fiber and nutrition. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly from regular rotini.

How Long Will Leftovers Last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best flavor, enjoy them within the first couple of days!

Can I Make This Salad Vegan?

Definitely! You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for protein, and skip the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. It will still be delicious and refreshing!

What Other Veggies Can I Add?

The beauty of this salad is its versatility! Feel free to add roasted zucchini, spinach, artichokes, or even some chopped carrots for extra crunch. Use whatever veggies you love or have on hand!