This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is fresh, tasty, and loaded with colorful veggies! With grilled chicken, pasta, olives, and feta cheese, it’s a meal that feels like a party on your plate.
I love how quick this salad comes together. It’s perfect for warm days or when I need a tasty lunch without much fuss. Just mix it all up and enjoy—so simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love rotini for its twisty shape, which holds the dressings and ingredients well. If you have gluten-free needs, chickpea or quinoa pasta works great, too!
Cooked Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken adds protein, but feel free to use leftover chicken or even store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Cherry Tomatoes: These juicy gems add sweetness. If they’re not in season, you can use diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
Kalamata Olives: They bring a lovely briny punch. If you don’t have them, green olives or black olives can work as substitutes. Just pick your favorite!
Feta Cheese: Feta gives the salad its creamy finish. For a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu or omit the cheese altogether for a lighter salad.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta might sound easy, but getting it just right is key! Follow these steps for al dente pasta that won’t get mushy:
- Boil plenty of water with a generous amount of salt (think ocean water). This flavors the pasta.
- Add your pasta and set a timer for 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests. Taste a piece to check for doneness.
- Once done, drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. This keeps it from getting soggy.
With these tips, your pasta salad will be a delightful dish everyone will love!
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or cubed (grilled or roasted)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced or quartered
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Plus, if you let it chill for about 30 minutes after mixing, the flavors will get even better. Overall, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to enjoying your delicious salad!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (still slightly firm). When done, drain the pasta and give it a rinse with cold water. This helps cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set it aside to drain well.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, Dijon mustard (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. This dressing is what brings all the flavors together!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Add the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, Kalamata olives, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. This is where you get to see all those beautiful colors come together!
4. Toss It All Together:
Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated in the dressing. You want to make sure every bite is packed with flavor!
5. Add the Feta:
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad. You can give it a light toss so the feta mixes in a little, or leave it on top for a nice presentation.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Take a quick taste of your pasta salad. If you feel it needs a little more seasoning, add extra salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Serve:
This salad is ready to enjoy right away, but it’s also fantastic if you let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together. Serve it cold or at room temperature and watch everyone enjoy!
Enjoy this bright, fresh, and flavorful Mediterranean pasta salad that’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is a great choice, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh oregano, you can use dried herbs like Italian seasoning or even a pinch of basil or thyme. Just use about half the amount if you’re using dried herbs since they are more concentrated in flavor.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra veggies or chickpeas for protein. You can also toss in some artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for added flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you might want to add a splash of olive oil or vinegar when reheating or serving to refresh the flavors.