Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

This hearty Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad has become my summer go-to for family gatherings and meal prep alike. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying meal that's both nutritious and bursting with flavor.

I first created this recipe when hosting an impromptu backyard gathering last summer. The empty bowl and recipe requests that followed convinced me this would become a staple in our household rotation.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast: providing lean protein and making this a complete meal
• 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta: choose a shape that holds the dressing well in its crevices
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes: select bright red ones for sweetness and juiciness
• 1 medium cucumber diced: adds refreshing crunch look for firm ones without soft spots
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: delivers a mild bite soaking in cold water first reduces sharpness
• 1 cup feta cheese crumbles: brings salty tanginess authentic Greek feta works best here
• 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives: adds briny Mediterranean flavor and healthy fats
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: use a good quality oil as it forms the base of your dressing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano before cooking in olive oil over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices before dicing into bite-sized pieces.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse to help the dressing adhere better to the pasta.

Prepare Fresh Components:

While pasta cooks chop all vegetables to similar bite-sized pieces for consistent texture. Halve cherry tomatoes dice cucumber into 1/2 inch pieces and finely dice red onion. Measure out feta and olives.

Assemble the Salad:

In a large mixing bowl combine the cooked pasta chicken tomatoes cucumber red onion feta cheese and olives. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.

Dress and Season:

Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice starting with 2 tablespoons of each then tasting and adjusting. Add salt pepper and dried oregano to taste. Toss again ensuring everything is well coated.

Save

The kalamata olives are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. Their distinctive rich flavor instantly transports me to Mediterranean coastlines. My daughter who normally picks olives out of everything actually requests extra in this dish something I consider a minor culinary miracle.

Make It Your Own

This Mediterranean pasta salad welcomes personalization based on what you have available. Try adding artichoke hearts roasted red peppers or even a handful of baby spinach for extra nutrients. For a vegetarian version simply omit the chicken and add chickpeas to maintain protein content. The flavor profile remains deliciously Mediterranean with every variation.

Storage Tips

This pasta salad actually improves with time as flavors meld together. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If making ahead reserve a small portion of the dressing to refresh the salad just before serving as pasta tends to absorb liquids during storage. For best results bring to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Serving Suggestions

While perfect on its own as a complete meal this pasta salad shines alongside grilled proteins for summer barbecues. Serve it with grilled garlic bread for a complete Mediterranean feast or portion into mason jars for portable lunches. For a dinner party presentation consider serving it on a large platter garnished with fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges for a stunning visual impact.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this Mediterranean chicken pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! This dish is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve as they meld together. If making more than a day ahead, consider adding the feta cheese just before serving.

→ What substitutions can I make for dietary restrictions?

This dish is highly adaptable. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten sensitivities, or replace the chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian version. For dairy-free diets, omit the feta or use a plant-based alternative. The olive oil dressing is naturally dairy-free.

→ What can I serve with Mediterranean chicken pasta salad?

This versatile dish works well as a complete meal on its own, but pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, hummus, tzatziki, or a simple green salad. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a light soup.

→ How long does this pasta salad keep in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this pasta salad will keep well for 3-4 days. The flavors may intensify over time. If you plan to store it longer, consider adding fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their color and flavor.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving alternative. Simply remove the skin, shred or dice the meat, and fold into the salad. This convenient option still provides excellent flavor while significantly reducing preparation time.

→ What herbs work best in this Mediterranean salad?

Traditional Mediterranean herbs like fresh basil, oregano, parsley, and mint work wonderfully. You can use a single herb or a combination. Dried Italian herb blend is also an excellent option if fresh herbs aren't available. For best flavor, add tender herbs like basil just before serving.