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
Scale
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.
