Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean right into my kitchen: Mediterranean chicken pasta salad! When I think of summer picnics or light weeknight dinners, this salad is always at the top of my list. It’s refreshing, bursting with flavor, and so colorful! The combination of juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and tangy feta tossed in a zesty dressing just makes my taste buds dance. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! Whether you’re planning a potluck or just need a quick meal, this salad is a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta: I love using rotini or penne for their fun shapes that hold the dressing beautifully!
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced: Grilled or rotisserie chicken works wonders here—so flavorful!
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These sweet little gems add a burst of color and flavor.
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced: For that refreshing crunch—don’t skip this!
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Just a bit for a nice zing—thinly slicing helps mellow the flavor.
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced: I prefer Kalamata for their rich taste, but any variety you love will do!
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: The creaminess of feta is what dreams are made of!
- 1/4 cup olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil makes all the difference.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: This adds a delightful tang that brightens everything up.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that ties the flavors together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always adjust to your liking for that perfect seasoning!
How to Prepare Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta cooked perfectly! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. I usually go for about 8 ounces of pasta, which is around 2 cups once cooked. Toss it in and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite to it, so don’t overdo it! Once done, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps your pasta from getting mushy. Let it cool while you prep your other ingredients.
Preparing the Ingredients
Now, let’s get those fresh ingredients ready! Start by dicing your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces—make sure they’re not too big so they mix well. Next, halve the cherry tomatoes; this simple step really opens up their sweetness! For the cucumber, dice it into small cubes for that refreshing crunch. Thinly slice the red onion; this helps to mellow its sharpness, which is key! Slice the black olives and crumble that creamy feta cheese—oh, the flavor! Having everything prepped and ready makes mixing a breeze!
Mixing the Salad
Alright, it’s time to bring this salad together! In a large bowl, combine your cooled pasta and diced chicken. Then, add in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese. Now, for the dressing: in a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour that delicious dressing over your salad and toss everything gently to combine. You want to make sure everything is coated but be gentle—no one likes a squished tomato! Once mixed, I highly recommend chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. It allows all those flavors to meld beautifully!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying Mediterranean chicken pasta salad, you’ll be pleased to know it’s not just delicious but also nutritious! Each serving (about 1 cup) typically contains around 350 calories, with 20g of fat, 15g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Plus, it has 3g of sugar and 600mg of sodium. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. It’s a satisfying and wholesome option for a light meal!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Mediterranean chicken pasta salad turns out absolutely perfect, here are my top tips! First, always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad—adjusting the salt and vinegar can elevate the flavors significantly. If you’re making this ahead of time, consider adding the feta and olives just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant. Also, for the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour—trust me, it makes a big difference! Finally, feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra pop of flavor!
Variations of Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
If you want to switch things up with your Mediterranean chicken pasta salad, the possibilities are endless! Try adding roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor or some artichoke hearts for an extra Mediterranean twist. You could also toss in some spinach or arugula for a fresh, leafy element. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the dressing for a lemon-tahini sauce or a creamy Greek yogurt dressing for a different vibe. And don’t forget—you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with chickpeas or diced tofu. Play around with your favorite ingredients and make it your own!
FAQ About Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I love making it a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and it’ll taste even better as the flavors meld together. Just remember to add the feta and olives right before serving for maximum freshness!
What type of pasta works best?
I usually prefer rotini or penne since their shapes hold onto the dressing so well. But honestly, any pasta you love will work—just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Can I substitute the chicken?
Definitely! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, chickpeas or grilled vegetables are fantastic alternatives. You could even use shrimp or tuna if you want a seafood twist!
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good toss before serving again!
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set for a delicious gluten-free meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Mediterranean chicken pasta salad comes together in just about 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-Packed: With a mix of fresh veggies, savory chicken, and tangy feta, each bite is bursting with flavor.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with protein and fiber, this salad is a nutritious option that keeps you satisfied.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s even better after chilling, making it a great dish for meal prep or gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs—endless possibilities!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For a great side dish, consider making honey-glazed carrots to complement your meal.
To learn more about the health benefits of Mediterranean ingredients, you can visit Healthline.
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Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave It
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing Mediterranean chicken pasta salad loaded with flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and chicken.
- Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preference.
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: mediterranean chicken pasta salad, chicken salad, pasta salad