Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a mix of fresh vegetables. Tossed in a light lemon-olive oil dressing, this salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing side at gatherings. Its colorful presentation and delightful flavors make it not only nutritious but also visually appealing. Easy to prepare in advance, it’s an excellent choice for picnics or barbecues where you want to impress guests without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy this wholesome salad as a versatile meal option that can be customized with seasonal ingredients to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add seasoned chicken breast. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 7-10 minutes). Remove from heat, let rest, and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain using a colander; set aside.
- Chop the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into small pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine ingredients: Add cooked pasta, diced chicken, feta cheese crumbles, and kalamata olives to the bowl with vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle olive oil over the mixture along with lemon juice if desired. Toss again to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Find it online: https://emmataste.com/mediterranean-chicken-pasta-salad/