This Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a colorful dish packed with flavor! It features tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and olives, all mixed with delightful pasta.
I love to whip this up for a quick lunch or picnic. It’s so fresh and tasty that you’ll want it on repeat. Plus, it’s perfect for using up those veggies in your fridge! 🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini is great because its twists hold onto the dressing well. If you don’t have rotini, other short pastas like fusilli, penne, or farfalle will work just as nicely!
Chicken: I use cooked chicken breasts, but rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken is perfect too! It saves time and adds a smoky flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color. If out of season, you can use diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste.
Cucumber: Their crunch is refreshing! If you’re looking to change it up, zucchini or bell peppers can also be great alternatives.
Kalamata Olives: The briny flavor is key! If you’re not a fan, try green olives or leave them out entirely for a milder salad.
Feta Cheese: Feta provides a nice tang. If you need a dairy-free option, crumbled tofu or avocado can add creaminess without the cheese.
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta might sound basic, but getting it just right can make or break a salad. To ensure it’s cooked well, follow these tips:
- Use plenty of salted water to cook the pasta. This helps flavor the noodles.
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. Check the package for timing, usually between 8 to 12 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain it and immediately rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents it from getting mushy.
- Let it cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps keep the salad fresher longer.
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, diced or sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, and I recommend chilling it for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend nicely. In total, you’re looking at about 50 minutes for a refreshing Mediterranean chicken pasta salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain it and give it a rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.
2. Preparing the Veggies and Chicken:
While your pasta cools off, take a large bowl and combine the diced cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, Kalamata olives, and red onion. Mix these ingredients gently so they don’t get squished.
3. Making the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder (if you like), and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Taste it and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Bringing It All Together:
Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Then, add the cooled pasta. Toss everything gently together in the large bowl until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Adding the Feta:
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. This adds a nice creamy tang that complements all the freshness.
6. Chilling and Serving:
Cover the salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to eat, serve the salad cold or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad!
FAQ for Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the dressing, you can substitute it with any short pasta like farfalle, penne, or fusilli. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you need a substitute for feta cheese, crumbled goat cheese or ricotta can work well. For a dairy-free option, try using crumbled tofu or chopped avocado for creaminess without the cheese!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad tastes great cold, so just grab a fork and enjoy it straight from the fridge!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can make this salad a day ahead! Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen, making it even tastier. However, add the feta cheese just before serving to keep it fresh.
