Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

This hearty Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad has been my summer meal solution for years, bringing vibrant flavors to potlucks and family dinners with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh vegetables creates a complete meal that works beautifully as a main dish or impressive side.

I first created this recipe when hosting an outdoor gathering where I needed something substantial yet light. The empty bowl at the end of the night told me everything I needed to know this would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

Ingredients

• Cooked diced chicken breast: provides lean protein and makes this a complete meal you can use rotisserie chicken to save time
• Penne or rotini pasta: creates the perfect base with ridges that capture the dressing in every bite
• Cherry tomatoes: add sweet bursts of flavor and beautiful color choose vine ripened for the best taste
• Cucumber: brings refreshing crunch and hydration select firm cucumbers with minimal seeds
• Red onion: provides a sharp aromatic element that balances the other flavors finely chop to distribute evenly
• Feta cheese crumbles: contribute creamy tanginess and authentic Mediterranean character traditional sheep milk feta offers the most authentic flavor
• Kalamata olives: deliver rich briny notes that are quintessentially Mediterranean choose pitted for convenience
• Extra virgin olive oil: forms the base of the dressing look for cold pressed varieties for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken:

Cook seasoned chicken breast in olive oil over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and reaching 165°F internally. This creates a flavorful protein base with delicious caramelization. Let rest for 5 minutes before dicing into bite sized pieces to retain juices.

Cook pasta perfectly:

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil before adding pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente usually 8 to 10 minutes. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse to retain the starchy exterior that helps the dressing adhere.

Prepare fresh vegetables:

While the pasta and chicken cook dice cucumber into uniform 1/2 inch pieces finely chop red onion and halve cherry tomatoes. Consistent sizes ensure balanced flavor in every bite.

Combine all ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl gently toss the cooled pasta chicken vegetables feta and olives together. The warm pasta will slightly soften the vegetables and help the flavors meld without making them soggy.

Dress the salad:

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the mixture and toss gently to coat every component. The acid from the lemon brightens all the flavors while the olive oil adds richness.

Final seasoning:

Taste the completed salad and adjust with salt pepper or additional lemon juice as needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.

Save

The kalamata olives are my personal secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered their importance when I accidentally left them out once and my daughter immediately noticed something was missing. Their distinctive briny flavor provides the authentic Mediterranean essence that transforms this from a simple pasta salad into something truly special.

Make It Your Own

This versatile salad welcomes many variations based on your preferences or what you have available. Try adding roasted red peppers for sweetness artichoke hearts for complexity or fresh spinach for added nutrition. You can also substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. The basic formula of pasta protein vegetables and tangy cheese creates endless possibilities.

Storage and Serving Tips

For best results store this pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a few hours as the ingredients meld together. Before serving from the refrigerator let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes and give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. This brings out the flavors that can become muted when cold.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad alongside grilled garlic bread for a complete meal or pair it with a light soup for cooler evenings. It also works beautifully as part of a Mediterranean mezze spread with hummus tzatziki and warm pita. For a refreshing beverage pairing try a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light sparkling lemonade with fresh mint.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad actually improves with time as the flavors meld. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. If making ahead, consider adding the feta cheese just before serving for the best texture.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you're not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with crumbled goat cheese, fresh mozzarella pearls, or even cubed halloumi. For a dairy-free version, try adding extra olives or some avocado for creaminess.

→ How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?

Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a small drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice when serving leftovers.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply remove the skin, shred or dice the meat, and add it to your salad. This can reduce your preparation time by about 15 minutes.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep. Prepare a large batch on Sunday and portion it into containers for quick lunches throughout the week. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious after a day or two.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Rice, corn, or chickpea pasta all work well in this recipe. Just be sure to cook the gluten-free pasta al dente according to package instructions to prevent it from becoming too soft.