This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is colorful and tasty! It’s packed with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing that brings everything together.
Honestly, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and it’s so simple to make. Just toss everything together, and you’re ready to enjoy a refreshing meal. I can’t get enough of it! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisty pasta shape holds onto the dressing and ingredients nicely. If you don’t have rotini, you can swap it for penne, fusilli, or any pasta you have at home. Just pick something that’s fun and holds the flavors well!
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean protein. If you want a quicker option, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It saves time and tastes great too!
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a tangy flavor that brightens the salad. If you’re not a fan, you can try goat cheese or even mozzarella for a milder taste. Both work well in this recipe!
Kalamata Olives: These give a nice briny flavor. If you can’t find them, green olives or even capers can make a tasty substitute. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but a few steps can help you get it just right. To start, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps create a nice sear.
- Season the diced chicken evenly with salt and pepper.
- Cook in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check that the chicken is cooked all the way through; it should be no longer pink in the middle.
- Let it cool slightly before adding it to the salad to avoid wilting the veggies.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken for your salad every time!
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (about 8 oz)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
Veggies and Add-Ins:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15-20 minutes for preparation and cooking, plus another 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. Overall, you can whip up this salad in about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set the pasta aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, diced yellow bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, chopped artichoke hearts, and sliced Kalamata olives. Give everything a gentle toss to mix.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad in the mixing bowl. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
6. Add Cheese and Herbs:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley on top of the salad. Lightly toss again to incorporate the cheese and herbs.
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy your refreshing Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative and adds extra fiber. Just be sure to cook it al dente as it may get softer than regular pasta when overcooked.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can skip the chicken altogether or use chickpeas or grilled tofu for added protein. Both options will still make for a delicious salad!
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving as the ingredients might settle.
Can I Add More Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding ingredients like spinach, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, or even nuts for extra crunch. Just remember to balance flavors and textures!
