I often hear from you about quick and healthy meal ideas, especially for those busy weekdays. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic Mediterranean pasta salad recipes that are perfect for meal prep or a light dinner.
You’ll love how easy these Mediterranean dishes are to make, bringing fresh flavors to your table with minimal effort. I know you’ll find a new favorite here!
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
This light and satisfying meal is packed with fresh flavors, making it a great choice for lunch or a simple dinner. It’s a Mediterranean chicken pasta salad that comes together quickly.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chicken Pasta
- Use Cooked Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly pan-seared chicken breast makes this dish fast to prepare.
- Fresh Herbs Add Brightness: Don’t skip fresh dill and parsley; they really enhance the overall taste of this Mediterranean salad.
What You Need for Chicken Pasta Salad
- 2 cups cooked pasta (like rotini or penne)
- 1.5 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
⏱️ Time: 20 min🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make This Chicken Pasta Salad
Step 1: Prepare Pasta & Chicken
Cook your pasta according to the package directions, then drain it and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Dice your cooked chicken if you haven’t already.
Step 2: Chop Veggies & Mix
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
Step 3: Mix Dressing & Combine
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Pour this dressing over the pasta salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is coated.
📝 Final Note
This Mediterranean chicken pasta salad tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
This vibrant and fresh pasta salad is perfect as a side dish or a light main meal, making it a great vegetarian option. It’s a quick Mediterranean recipe that is full of great taste.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Pasta Salad
- Choose Good Quality Feta: A creamy feta cheese adds the best taste and texture to this simple pasta salad.
- Add Colorful Vegetables: Use a mix of colors, like bell peppers, for extra nutrition and a beautiful presentation in your Mediterranean pasta dish.
What You Need for Mediterranean Pasta Salad
- 2 cups cooked pasta (like rotini or penne)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
⏱️ Time: 15 min🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make This Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced green bell pepper, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
Step 3: Dress It Up
Mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and fresh dill in a small bowl. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss everything well to make sure it’s coated.
📝 Final Note
For the best taste, let the Mediterranean pasta salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. You can also add chickpeas for extra protein.
