This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of pasta, juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect as a light meal or a side dish for parties!
I love tossing it all together and then enjoying the leftovers—if there are any! This salad is so tasty that I often find myself going back for just one more bite. Yum! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its twisted shape, which captures the dressing nicely. You can swap it for any pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or penne if you prefer. Gluten-free pasta works too!
Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but grilled chicken thighs or even canned chicken could work. For a vegetarian version, you can add chickpeas or diced tofu instead.
Olives: Kalamata olives add a bit of richness and saltiness. If you don’t have them, try black olives or green olives for a different flavor profile. Just make sure they are pitted!
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy twist. You can substitute it with goat cheese or even omit it for a dairy-free option. Nutritional yeast can bring a cheesy flavor without dairy!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky. Here’s how to do it right:
- Always season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking for great flavor.
- Heat your skillet until it’s medium, not too hot. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
- Cook the chicken cubes for 6-8 minutes, ensuring they are golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken cool slightly after cooking. This helps keep it juicy.
Following these tips will help you achieve juicy and flavorful chicken every time! Enjoy making your salad!
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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
- 1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking. If you allow it to chill in the fridge, it will need an additional hour to let the flavors blend. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick meal or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, honey (or maple syrup), and a little salt and pepper. This will create a zesty dressing that pulls everything together!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, diced yellow bell pepper, sliced Kalamata olives, chopped marinated artichoke hearts, and red onion. Mix it all together gently, making sure everything is distributed evenly.
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the zesty dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything gently until it’s well coated. Don’t forget to sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley on top for added flavor and freshness!
6. Serve or Chill:
You can serve this delicious salad right away or let it chill in the fridge for about an hour to allow all those wonderful flavors to meld together. Enjoy!
Now you have a colorful and flavorful Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad ready to delight your taste buds! It makes a great main dish or a refreshing side at any gathering. Bon appétit! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the dressing, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just cook according to package instructions for best results!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken with chickpeas, diced tofu, or roasted vegetables. This will still provide a hearty texture while keeping it plant-based!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify, making it even tastier the next day!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just hold off on adding the dressing and feta until you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
