If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and the bright, fresh tastes of the Mediterranean, you’ve come to the right place. This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, briny Kalamata olives, and a zesty homemade dressing into one beautiful bowl of goodness. Perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner, this salad bursts with colors and textures that’ll have you going back for seconds and thirds with a smile on your face.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient bringing something special to the table. From the creamy feta adding a salty punch to the crisp cucumbers delivering a refreshing crunch, every component plays a role in creating a balanced and tasty meal.
- 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne): These shapes are perfect for holding the dressing and all the delicious mix-ins.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (cubed or shredded): Adds hearty protein to keep the salad filling and satisfying.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Bursts of juicy sweetness that contrast beautifully with savory ingredients.
- 1/2 cup cucumber (diced): Provides a cool, crisp texture and a fresh bite.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (sliced): Introduces a briny, slightly tangy flavor that defines Mediterranean cuisine.
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced): Offers a sharp but mild zing, waking up your taste buds.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Rich and salty, it melts into the salad for creaminess and depth.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a bright herbal note and lovely green color.
- Dressing ingredients: Olive oil (1/4 cup) for silkiness, red wine vinegar (2 tbsp) and lemon juice (1 tbsp) for tang, Dijon mustard (1 tsp) for a gentle kick, garlic (1 clove minced) for savoriness, dried oregano (1/2 tsp) for classic Mediterranean aroma, plus salt and black pepper to taste.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by tossing together the cooked pasta, tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, olives, and red onion in a large bowl. This is when you begin to see the dish’s gorgeous colors and textures come alive, making it harder to wait for that first bite.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk the olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. This dressing is simple but powerful—each ingredient adds layers of zest and richness that tie the whole salad together.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour your freshly made dressing over the salad ingredients, then gently toss everything to ensure every bite is coated with that delicious blend of herbs and tangy notes. This even coating is key to balancing the salty, sweet, and fresh flavors.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Marry
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors fully meld. This resting time allows the pasta to soak up the dressing, the chicken to absorb the herbs, and all those Mediterranean flavors to harmonize beautifully.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting final touch, sprinkle extra crumbled feta or fresh parsley on top just before serving. A few lemon wedges on the side can brighten the flavors even more, inviting everyone to squeeze a little extra zing onto their portions.
Side Dishes
This salad stands well on its own as a complete meal, but if you’re looking to round out your table, serve it alongside some warm pita bread or a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette. A side of roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus can also complement the salad’s fresh and savory profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Invite your guests to help themselves by serving the Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe in a large, colorful bowl paired with statement serving utensils. Alternatively, portion it into individual mason jars or bowls for a charming picnic or grab-and-go lunch option that keeps the salad fresh and mess-free.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and ensure the flavors stay vibrant. Give the salad a gentle stir before serving leftovers, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and dressing, freezing this salad isn’t recommended. Freezing could affect the texture of the cucumbers and tomatoes, leaving them watery and mushy after thawing. Instead, enjoy the salad fresh within a few days.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it less chilled, simply let it sit out on the counter for about 10-15 minutes before serving to take off the chill without losing the crisp textures.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini and penne work well because they hold the dressing nicely, you can substitute with fusilli, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta depending on your preferences or dietary needs.
Is grilled chicken better than boiled chicken for this recipe?
Grilled chicken adds a wonderful smoky flavor that elevates the salad, but boiled or poached chicken is perfectly fine too. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time saver without sacrificing taste.
Can I prepare this salad vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, by omitting the chicken and feta cheese, or replacing feta with a vegan cheese alternative, you can tailor this salad to fit vegan or vegetarian diets while still enjoying the Mediterranean flavors.
How long can I keep the salad before it loses its freshness?
For the best taste and texture, consume the salad within 3 days. After that, the vegetables might become watery and the pasta could get mushy, so plan accordingly.
Can I add other Mediterranean ingredients?
Definitely! Chopped artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even fresh spinach can be great additions that complement the classic flavor profile of this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about a salad that offers both freshness and heartiness, and this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe delivers just that in every forkful. It’s colorful, packed with flavor, and easy to make a big batch of for sharing or meal prepping. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite anytime-go-to salad that feels like a little Mediterranean sunshine on your plate!
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy main course or a refreshing meal prep option. Featuring tender cooked chicken, al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny Kalamata olives, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing, it offers a delightful blend of textures and Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Easy to make and perfect served chilled or at room temperature, this salad is ideal for lunches, picnics, or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, cooked chicken breast, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley until evenly distributed.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss all ingredients together to ensure everything is coated evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Great for meal prep or picnics due to its easy make-ahead nature.
- Substitute with grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add chopped artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.
