This refreshing Mediterranean chicken pasta salad is packed with colorful veggies, tender chicken, and tasty pasta. It’s light, healthy, and perfect for a quick meal!
I love how easy it is to whip up this salad. Just toss everything together and enjoy! It’s great for lunch or dinner, and it tastes even better the next day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Shell pasta is fun and holds dressing well. You can swap it for whole wheat pasta for extra fiber, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times.
Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken breast adds protein. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, that’s a great choice too! For a vegetarian version, chickpeas or diced tofu work well.
Vegetables: I love cherry tomatoes for their sweetness, but feel free to use grape tomatoes too. You can replace cucumbers with diced bell peppers or zucchini if that’s what you have on hand.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a nice tang. If you’re dairy-free, try crumbled olives or a dairy-free cheese option instead.
How Do I Properly Prepare the Dressing?
Making a tasty dressing is key! Here’s how to ensure it’s flavorful:
- Start with good olive oil; it adds richness. Always use fresh garlic for the best taste.
- Mix olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until combined; this helps emulsify the dressing, making it smooth.
- Taste before adding to the salad. You can adjust the acidity by adding more vinegar or lemon juice if you like it tangier.
Giving the dressing some extra time to sit before tossing it with the salad enhances its flavor, making every bite delicious!
Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz shell pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (grilled or roasted)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 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 or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes before it’s ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the shell pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set it aside to finish cooling.
2. Mixing the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, green and red bell peppers, and the optional red onion. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
3. Preparing the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This will be your flavorful dressing for the salad!
4. Combining Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Make sure everything is well coated with the dressing.
5. Finishing Touches:
Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley to the salad and toss lightly again to incorporate them without breaking the feta too much.
6. Chill and Enjoy:
Before serving, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy this vibrant, healthy Mediterranean chicken pasta salad as a delicious meal full of fresh flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitution to add more fiber and nutrients. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as whole wheat pasta may have a slightly different cooking time than regular pasta.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize this salad to your taste! Feel free to add broccoli florets, olives, or even artichoke hearts for extra flavor and variety. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Is This Salad Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the shell pasta with a gluten-free pasta option available on the market today. Make sure to check the label for other gluten-containing ingredients in the dressing.
