Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

This hearty Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad has become my go-to dish for warm summer evenings and potluck gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

I first created this recipe when hosting an impromptu backyard gathering, and it has since become the most requested dish from my friends. The bright flavors transport everyone to a seaside Mediterranean cafe with each bite.

Ingredients

• Cooked diced chicken breast: Provides lean protein and makes this salad satisfying as a complete meal. Choose rotisserie chicken for convenience or grill your own for extra flavor.
• Penne or rotini pasta: Creates the perfect base that holds up well to the dressing and mix-ins. The pasta shape with ridges or spirals captures more of the delicious dressing.
• Cherry tomatoes: Add juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color. Look for firm, deeply colored tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Cucumber: Brings refreshing crunch and hydration to balance the heartier ingredients. English cucumbers work beautifully with their thin skin and fewer seeds.
• Red onion: Delivers sharp aromatic notes that wake up the entire dish. Soak chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the intensity if desired.
• Feta cheese crumbles: Contribute tangy creaminess and authentic Mediterranean flavor. Traditional Greek feta made from sheep's milk offers the most authentic taste.
• Kalamata olives: Provide briny richness and distinctive Mediterranean character. Their meaty texture and complex flavor elevate the entire salad.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing with its fruity notes. Invest in quality oil as it significantly impacts the final flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Season chicken breast generously with salt, pepper and dried oregano before cooking in olive oil over medium heat. Cook for approximately 6 minutes per side until golden brown with an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before dicing to retain moisture and flavor. This ensures juicy chicken throughout your salad.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil before adding your pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente typically 8 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook as firm pasta holds up better in salads. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse to allow the dressing to adhere better to the pasta.

Prepare the Vegetables:

Slice cherry tomatoes in half to release their sweet juices. Dice cucumber into uniform 1/2-inch pieces ensuring they're similar in size to the pasta. Finely chop red onion to distribute its flavor throughout the salad without overwhelming bites. Carefully halve kalamata olives if they aren't already pitted.

Combine Ingredients:

In a spacious mixing bowl combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, prepared vegetables, feta cheese crumbles and olives. Gently fold everything together with a rubber spatula to maintain the integrity of each ingredient while ensuring even distribution.

Dress and Season:

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the salad. Add a generous pinch of dried oregano and basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the dressing.

Save

The kalamata olives are truly the secret ingredient that elevates this pasta salad beyond ordinary. My grandmother from Cyprus always insisted that a Mediterranean dish without olives was simply incomplete. The first time I brought this salad to a family gathering, my olive-skeptical cousin went back for seconds and thirds, which remains my favorite cooking victory to date.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This pasta salad actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to 24 hours before serving and store it covered in the refrigerator. For meal prep, portion into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. The salad stays fresh for up to 4 days refrigerated. If making far in advance, consider adding the feta cheese just before serving for the best texture.

Customization Ideas

This recipe welcomes countless variations while maintaining its Mediterranean spirit. Try adding artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor dimensions. Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or white beans for a vegetarian option. Fresh herbs like basil, parsley or mint add brightness when scattered on top just before serving. For a creamier version, include a dollop of Greek yogurt in the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta salad slightly chilled rather than ice-cold to allow the flavors to fully express themselves. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light rosé. For a complete Mediterranean feast, offer warm pita bread and hummus alongside. This salad shines as a standalone lunch but also works wonderfully as a side dish for grilled fish or lamb. During summer months, I often serve it on a bed of fresh greens for an even more substantial meal.

Cultural Context

This salad draws inspiration from various Mediterranean cuisines, particularly Greek and Italian traditions where fresh ingredients and simple preparation methods are celebrated. The combination of olives, feta, olive oil and herbs reflects the healthy eating patterns that have made the Mediterranean diet so renowned worldwide. Historically, pasta salads evolved as practical ways to use leftover pasta and seasonal produce, creating satisfying meals that could withstand warm weather without refrigeration.

Recipe FAQs

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

Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and improve as it sits. If making more than a day ahead, consider adding the dressing just before serving to maintain optimal texture.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you don't have or don't prefer feta cheese, you can substitute with crumbled goat cheese, fresh mozzarella pearls, or even cubed provolone. For a dairy-free version, consider adding extra olives or some avocado for creaminess.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad holds up well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making it ideal for meal prep. Store individual portions in airtight containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add a plant-based protein like chickpeas or white beans. You could also include extra vegetables like artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers to boost flavor and nutrition.

→ What herbs work best in this Mediterranean salad?

Traditional Mediterranean herbs like fresh basil, oregano, and parsley work wonderfully in this dish. You can use dried Italian seasoning as a convenient alternative, or create your own blend with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

→ Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using leftover grilled chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply shred or dice the chicken and fold it into the salad. This shortcut can reduce preparation time significantly while maintaining excellent flavor.