This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is fresh and full of flavor! Tossed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and tasty olives, it’s perfect for a quick meal or picnic.
Honestly, who can resist a salad that’s this vibrant? I love making it ahead of time – it gets even better as it sits and the flavors mix. Plus, it’s like a mini vacation on your plate! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is great because its shape holds onto the dressing well. If you’re out of rotini, you can use any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle. Gluten-free pasta is also an option if needed!
Chicken: I usually use grilled chicken for flavor, but you can use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick fix. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a salty creaminess, but if you can’t find it, consider using goat cheese or even a non-dairy feta for a plant-based option.
Kalamata Olives: These olives give a distinct Mediterranean flavor. If you have black olives on hand, they can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be milder.
How Do You Cook the Perfect Pasta for This Salad?
Cooking pasta properly is essential for a great salad. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with salted boiling water to enhance the pasta’s flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente, meaning it should have a slight bite.
- Once done, drain it immediately but don’t rinse unless the recipe calls for cooling it – rinsing washes away flavor. In this salad, rinsing helps cool the pasta for the mix.
Trust me, taking these steps will make your salad even more delightful! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 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 crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup 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 delightful salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In just under an hour, you’ll have a refreshing Mediterranean meal ready to enjoy!
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 it’s al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down, then set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until it’s golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is what brings all the flavors together.
4. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, olives, artichoke hearts, and red onion. Gently toss everything together.
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly. This is the moment when your salad starts to shine!
6. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top and add the fresh parsley for that burst of color and flavor.
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill. This allows the flavors to mingle and makes for a more delicious salad. When you’re ready to serve, take it out, and enjoy your cold or at room temperature salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Cooked Chicken or Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and you’re good to go!
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier for your next meal!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
You can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the chicken and feta cheese. Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegan cheese for a similar taste and texture!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like zucchini, arugula, or spinach. Fresh veggies not only enhance the flavor but also add extra nutrients!
