This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish loaded with bold flavors! Juicy grilled chicken, tender pasta, crisp veggies, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese are tossed in a lemony herb vinaigrette for a refreshing, protein-rich salad that works as a full meal or a stunning side.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bow ties), cooled
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced or cubed (grilled or rotisserie)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Make the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified. - Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, feta, and herbs. - Toss and chill:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. - Serve:
Give the salad a final toss, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve cold or at room temperature.
💡 Tips
- Rinse your pasta after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it quickly.
- For best flavor, let the salad marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Use a good-quality olive oil and fresh lemon juice for the dressing.
- Cut veggies into uniform sizes for a balanced bite.
🔁 Variations & Substitutions
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken or substitute with chickpeas.
- Add more veggies: Try roasted red peppers, artichokes, or baby spinach.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to fit your dietary needs.
- Swap feta with goat cheese or a plant-based feta alternative.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s great for meal prep. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors improve over time.
What kind of chicken works best?
Grilled, pan-seared, or rotisserie chicken all work well. You can even use leftover chicken.
Can I use bottled dressing?
Homemade dressing tastes fresher and healthier, but bottled Greek vinaigrette works in a pinch.
Is this served cold or warm?
This is best served chilled or at room temperature.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a light main dish with warm pita or crusty bread
- Pair with hummus, tzatziki, or stuffed grape leaves
- Add to a potluck, picnic, or BBQ spread
- Portion into meal prep containers with fruit or nuts on the side
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