Description
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that brings the essence of the Mediterranean right to your table. This delightful salad is packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a light olive oil dressing. Perfect for any occasion—from casual lunches to festive gatherings—this recipe can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient choice for busy days or special events. Its customizable nature allows you to incorporate seasonal veggies or swap ingredients based on your preferences, ensuring it’s always a hit!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of one lemon (optional for added zest)
Instructions
- Cook seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through; allow it to rest before dicing.
- Boil pasta according to package instructions; drain without rinsing.
- Chop vegetables and combine in a large bowl with pasta, chicken, feta, olives, and any additional herbs.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice; toss gently to combine.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Use seasonal vegetables for added freshness. Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture. Allow the salad to chill before serving for optimal flavor melding.