Today, I’m sharing two amazing pasta salad recipes perfect for any meal or gathering. These Mediterranean-inspired dishes are light, full of fresh ingredients, and simple to put together.
I know you’ll find these recipes quick to make and very satisfying, whether you need a fast lunch or a side for your next get-together.
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe for Busy Days
This Mediterranean chicken pasta salad is incredibly simple to make and packed with good flavors. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Chicken Prep: Use leftover cooked chicken or quickly grill some chicken breast for extra protein. This makes the recipe super fast.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or dill right before serving brightens up all the other ingredients. It makes a big difference in taste.
What You Need
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 English cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4-6 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook Pasta & Chicken Prep
Cook your pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. While the pasta cooks, dice your cooked chicken if you haven’t already.
Step 2: Combine and Dress
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything well.
📝 Final Note
For the best flavor, let this Mediterranean chicken pasta salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Simple Mediterranean Pasta Salad without Chicken
This easy Mediterranean pasta salad is a bright and refreshing dish that’s perfect for picnics or a quick meal. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Pasta Choice: Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle work best here because they hold the dressing and other ingredients well.
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest added to the dressing brings an extra layer of bright flavor. Don’t skip it if you have a lemon!
What You Need
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 English cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4-6 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook Pasta & Veggie Prep
Cook your rotini pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly. While the pasta cooks, prepare your vegetables by halving tomatoes, dicing cucumber, and slicing red onion and olives.
Step 2: Mix Salad & Dress
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
📝 Final Note
You can add other fresh vegetables like bell peppers or artichoke hearts to this Mediterranean pasta salad. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have blended.