This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is bright and tasty! With juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and delicious feta cheese, it’s the perfect dish for lunch or dinner.
I love this salad because it’s quick to whip up, and it keeps well. Plus, you can make a big batch and enjoy it all week. Just grab a fork and dig in! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for its shape, which holds the dressing and flavors well. If you don’t have it, feel free to try penne, fusilli, or farfalle—whichever you have on hand!
Cooked Chicken: Diced rotisserie chicken is perfect for this salad because it’s easy and already seasoned. But any leftover chicken will work, or you can use canned chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Kalamata Olives: These olives add a rich, briny flavor. If you can’t find them, black olives or green olives can be good substitutes, but the taste will differ slightly.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a creamy, tangy note to the salad. If you’re dairy-free, try using a dairy-free feta or omit it entirely for a lighter version.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad is Perfectly Mixed and Flavorful?
Tossing the ingredients well is crucial for a tasty pasta salad. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Cool the pasta quickly after draining it by rinsing it with cold water—this stops the cooking process and helps keep it firm.
- Mix pasta with the veggies while it’s still slightly warm. This helps the ingredients meld together.
- Make the dressing ahead and let it sit for a bit; this allows the flavors to develop. Don’t skip this step!
- When combining everything, be gentle to avoid smashing the delicate ingredients like tomatoes and feta.
Let the pasta salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle and makes for a refreshing dish!
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Protein:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
Vegetables and Extras:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 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 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and needs at least 30 minutes in the fridge to chill and let the flavors develop. So, you’re looking at a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delightful meal option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta firm.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the diced cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, diced yellow bell pepper, Kalamata olives, chopped marinated artichokes, and finely chopped red onion. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, toss everything gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
5. Add Cheese and Herbs:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley over the top. Gently stir again to incorporate, being careful not to break up the feta too much.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes it extra refreshing. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is a great choice for holding onto the dressing, you can substitute it with any short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it al dente!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving, as some dressing may settle at the bottom.
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding more veggies or using canned chickpeas for protein. The salad will still be delicious and satisfying!
How Do I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
This salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just keep the feta cheese separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain its freshness.
