This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is colorful and full of flavor! With tender chicken, pasta, and fresh veggies, it’s a tasty treat for any meal or picnic.
You might find yourself dreaming of summer before you even take a bite. I love making this salad ahead of time; it tastes even better the next day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fusilli or rotini are great choices because they hold onto the dressing well. If you don’t have these, you can swap in penne or farfalle. Gluten-free pasta works too, just follow package cooking times!
Chicken: Diced cooked chicken breast is perfect here. If you’re looking for a faster option, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. You can also use canned chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes and cucumbers add crunch and freshness. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, any small tomato will do. For cucumbers, consider sneaking in zucchini… sliced or diced as you prefer!
Kalamata Olives: They add a nice salty bite. If you don’t have them, green olives or even capers can be substitutes, although the flavor will be slightly different. Try to avoid black olives as they can be milder.
Feta Cheese: The crumbled feta gives a tangy flavor. If you’re lactose-intolerant, try using a dairy-free feta or skip it altogether for a different taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Perfectly Mixed?
Mixing your pasta salad well is key for tasty bites! After adding the veggies and chicken to the pasta, pour the dressing over the salad. Make sure to toss gently but evenly so each piece gets coated. Use a large spoon or spatula to carefully mix from the bottom to the top, letting everything blend nicely.
- Start by adding the dressing in parts. Drizzle some, mix, then add more until it’s coated to your liking.
- After mixing, folding in the parsley gently will keep the leaves whole and fresh for a beautiful presentation.
- Chilling the salad helps flavors meld. So, be patient and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving!
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz fusilli or rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Estimated Time Needed:
This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in total, you should set aside about 50 minutes to get everything ready and enjoy a cool and refreshing salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli or rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it off. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, mixed bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, chopped artichoke hearts, and crumbled feta cheese. Give it a good stir to mix everything together nicely!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavor-packed dressing that brings the salad to life.
4. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over your pasta salad mixture. Toss everything together well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. This is where the magic happens, blending all those great flavors!
5. Add Freshness:
Gently fold in the chopped fresh parsley for an extra burst of freshness and color. Be careful not to mash the ingredients—just fold lightly.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover your salad and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, simply take it out, give it a quick toss, and enjoy your fresh, Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad cold!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fusilli or rotini works great, you can substitute with any short pasta like penne or farfalle. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different pasta shapes may vary!
What If I Don’t Have Cooked Chicken?
No problem! You can quickly cook chicken breast by boiling or grilling it. Alternatively, rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver—just shred it and mix it in.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it taste even better the next day! Just give it a good stir before eating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to include other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or broccoli, depending on what you have on hand. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
