Description
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh, hearty dish filled with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta, all tossed in a zesty olive oil dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or bowties)
- 2 cups grilled or cooked chicken breast, sliced or chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with fresh herbs just before serving.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, canned tuna, or chickpeas for variety.
- Add bell peppers, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for more texture and flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
- Store covered in fridge and refresh with a splash of olive oil or lemon juice if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
