This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of pasta, juicy chicken, and fresh veggies. Tossed with a zesty dressing, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because it holds onto the dressing really well. If you’re out of rotini, any pasta like penne or fusilli works great too. Gluten-free pasta is another option for a gluten-sensitive meal.
Cooked Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add flavor. If you’re vegetarian, try swapping the chicken out for chickpeas or marinated tofu!
Cherry Tomatoes: They add a sweet burst of flavor. If they’re not in season, you can replace them with sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.
Kalamata Olives: These olives create a briny taste that complements the other ingredients nicely. If you’re not a fan, try green olives or even capers for a similar zest.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta is key for that creamy salty touch. If you’re lactose intolerant, look for vegan feta alternatives or you could skip it entirely.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Tastes Great?
The dressing is where the magic happens, so make sure to whisk it well! Here’s how to enhance your pasta salad:
- Always taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust the seasoning if needed!
- Let the pasta salad chill. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- If possible, prepare it a few hours ahead of serving for the best taste!
- Don’t add the feta until right before serving to keep it fresh and intact.
Enjoy making this Mediterranean delight, and feel free to play around with ingredients to match your taste!
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup 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 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 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?
This pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and should chill for at least 30 minutes before serving, making it a perfect make-ahead dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the cooked chicken breast cubes, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, diced yellow bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, chopped artichoke hearts, and sliced Kalamata olives. Give everything a good mix to combine!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and slightly emulsified.
4. Combine Dressing with Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated in that delicious dressing.
5. Add Finishing Touches:
Fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of flavor and color to your salad.
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully!
7. Serve:
Serve the pasta salad cold or at room temperature. Feel free to garnish with extra parsley or feta cheese if desired. Enjoy your bright, fresh Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad!
This dish is not only easy to make but also perfect for meal prep, picnics, and potlucks. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Regular Pasta Instead of Rotini?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the dressing, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or even bow tie pasta. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Simply replace the cooked chicken with chickpeas or grilled vegetables. You can also add some cannellini beans for extra protein while keeping it vegetarian!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes! This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can make it up to a day ahead, just hold off on adding the feta cheese until you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply stir it before serving to redistribute the dressing. If it looks dry, you can add a splash more olive oil or vinegar to refresh it!
