This vibrant Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is packed with yummy flavors! It has tender chicken, colorful veggies, and tasty olives, all mixed with pasta for a delightful meal.
This salad is perfect for busy days. I love making a big batch, so I can enjoy it for lunch or dinner. Plus, it tastes even better the next day—bonus! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used rotini for its fun shape that holds dressing well. You could switch it up with fusilli, penne, or any other pasta you love. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are great alternatives too!
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is a must for protein. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works perfectly! For a meat-free option, try chickpeas or tofu instead, seasoned for extra flavor.
Vegetables: Fresh veggies add color and crunch. I recommend using colorful bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. You can substitute zucchini for cucumber or add spinach for a different twist.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a nice tang to this dish. If you prefer a creamier flavor, try goat cheese. For a dairy-free option, you can use nutritional yeast to give a similar cheesy taste.
How Do I Get the Perfect Pasta Texture?
Cooking pasta might seem simple, but getting it just right is key! Here’s my method for perfectly cooked pasta:
- Boil salted water before adding the pasta. This helps it flavor while cooking.
- Check the packaging for cooking times, but start tasting a minute or two early. You want it al dente—firm but not hard.
- After draining, rinse it under cold water. This helps stop the cooking and cools it down for the salad.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have a pasta that holds up well in your salad!
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini or other spiral pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (grilled or pan-seared)
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, quartered
- 1/2 cup Kalamata or black olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus an optional 30 minutes of chilling time to let the flavors blend. It’s a quick and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions, cooking until it’s al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool. Set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
If your chicken isn’t cooked yet, season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. You can either grill or pan-sear it until it’s cooked through, usually around 5-7 minutes per side depending on the thickness. Let it cool before dicing it into bite-sized cubes.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, halved tomatoes, cucumber slices, diced yellow bell pepper, red onion, artichoke hearts, and olives. Gently mix everything together to combine.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well mixed and emulsified.
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
6. Add Cheese and Parsley:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the salad and give it one last gentle toss to distribute the toppings.
7. Serve or Chill:
You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. It tastes fantastic cold and can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this fresh, colorful, and protein-packed Mediterranean salad, perfect for a light lunch or dinner!
FAQ about Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the dressing, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Whole wheat or gluten-free options work well too!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir gently before serving again to refresh the flavors!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply omit the chicken and feta cheese. You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and leave out the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
What Substitutes Work for Dressing Ingredients?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with balsamic or apple cider vinegar. For a different flavor, you can also add lemon juice to brighten up the dish!
