This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is packed with yummy flavors! Made with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and tasty pasta, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
I love how colorful it looks on a plate. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just mix everything together! You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This pasta shape holds dressings and flavors well, making it a great choice. If you don’t have rotini, try fusilli or penne instead. Gluten-free pasta works too if needed!
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is convenient, but you can replace it with grilled shrimp, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Leftover rotisserie chicken also works nicely.
Cucumber: You can use English cucumbers for less seeds and more crunch. If unavailable, bell peppers or zucchini can make a tasty swap.
Kalamata Olives: Their rich flavor really enhances the salad. If they’re too strong for your liking, try black olives or green olives as alternatives. Just adjust to your taste!
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a tangy taste. You can substitute with goat cheese, ricotta, or even skip the cheese for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Well Mixed?
Mixing the components of a pasta salad properly is key to great flavor. To do this effectively:
- After cooking and rinsing the pasta, let it cool. Warm pasta can wilt your veggies.
- When combining the ingredients, start with the pasta and the dressing. Toss gently to coat before adding more fragile items like feta.
- Don’t be afraid to use your hands to mix! It can help ensure everything is evenly distributed without squashing the ingredients.
Lastly, letting it chill helps the flavors combine, so resist the temptation to serve right away if you can!
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. You’ll get a burst of flavors combining all the fresh and tasty ingredients!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop it from cooking further. Let the pasta cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Combining the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, olives, artichoke hearts, red onion, and parsley until everything is well combined. This colorful mix will set the stage for the salad!
3. Making the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until all the ingredients are nicely blended.
4. Mixing the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash anything!
5. Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad and give it one last gentle toss to mix it in. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help all the delicious flavors meld together.
6. Serving:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra feta and parsley if you like. Enjoy your refreshing Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing and ingredients, you can substitute it with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta you prefer. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture in your salad!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’d like to make this salad vegetarian or simply wish to change it up, you can use canned chickpeas, black beans, or even grilled tofu as a substitute for the chicken. Each option brings a unique flavor and texture!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier! However, if you can, keep the feta cheese separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain its texture.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This pasta salad is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just remember to cover it well in the fridge. This allows the flavors to develop even further! Add any fresh ingredients like parsley or feta just before serving for optimal freshness.
