Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with color, flavor, and incredible freshness, then look no further than this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad. This recipe brings together tender bites of chicken, crisp veggies, tangy feta, and briny olives, all bound together with a zippy olive oil dressing. It’s a true symphony of Mediterranean sunshine in every forkful, perfect for picnics, weekday lunches, and those times you just need something truly satisfying and vibrant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad lies in its simplicity—each ingredient pulls its weight, contributing to a dish that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious. From sun-ripened tomatoes to creamy feta, here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love it.

• Chicken Breast: Cooked and diced, this adds satisfying protein and richness to the salad.
• Pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold onto the dressing and goodies perfectly in every bite.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness and a pop of Mediterranean color.
• Cucumber: Diced cucumber keeps everything light and refreshing with its crisp texture.
• Red Onion: Finely chopped for just the right amount of tangy bite and color contrast.
• Feta Cheese Crumbles: Creamy, tangy, and packed with savory Mediterranean flair.
• Kalamata Olives: Pitted and ready to infuse each bite with punchy, briny flavor.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The heart of the dressing, bringing fruity aroma and luxurious texture.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Dice the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a splash of olive oil. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat until golden and fully cooked through—this should only take a few minutes per side. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes so the juices settle, then dice it into hearty, bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne or rotini. Cook until just al dente, following the package instructions closely—it’s key for that perfect pasta salad texture. When finished, drain the pasta but do not rinse; a little leftover starch helps everything stick together beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Veggies and Combine the Base

While the chicken cools and the pasta drains, chop your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Grab a large salad bowl and toss in the cooked pasta, diced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, crumbled feta, and kalamata olives. Each ingredient shines here, so pile them in with confidence!

Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and a squirt of fresh lemon juice directly over the salad. Gently toss everything together until every piece is coated in that glorious Mediterranean flavor. Go easy to keep the feta crumbles mostly intact—that way you get creamy bites throughout.

Step 5: Taste, Adjust, and Chill

Finally, give your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad a good taste. Need a bit more salt? More tang from lemon? Adjust to your liking! Once you’re happy, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors mingle and develop into something magical before you serve.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Top your salad with an extra sprinkle of crumbled feta, a handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil, and maybe a few more olives if you’re feeling fancy. A lemon wedge on the side can add a fresh kick just before eating!

Side Dishes

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, a simple green salad, or grilled vegetables. If you want to lean into the theme, serve it with hummus, tzatziki, or roasted red pepper dip for a complete Mediterranean spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving it layered in mason jars for easy picnic lunches, or on a big platter lined with romaine leaves for a buffet table showstopper. You can even scoop it into crisp bell pepper halves or hollowed tomatoes for a fun, handheld serving option—perfect for parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad keeps like a dream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen even further overnight, making lunch the next day even better. Give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute any dressing that’s settled.

Freezing

While most pasta salads don’t freeze well due to the fresh veggies becoming soggy and the cheese changing texture, you can prepare and freeze the cooked chicken in advance. Assemble the full salad right before serving for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you like it slightly warm, take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to keep those veggies crisp and the feta fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne and rotini work well because their shapes hold onto all the goodness, but feel free to try farfalle, fusilli, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta depending on your preference or dietary needs.

Is Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad good for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is a meal prep hero. Make a big batch and enjoy several days of flavorful, protein-packed lunches. Just store the dressing separately if you prefer maximum crispness in the veggies.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken, and maybe toss in some chickpeas or grilled eggplant for added substance—it’ll still be every bit as zesty, hearty, and delicious.

What herbs work best in this salad?

Fresh parsley, basil, dill, or oregano all bring their own lovely twist. If you’re using dried herbs, go a bit lighter as they’re more potent, but nothing beats the freshness of snipped herbs right before serving.

How long can Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad sit out at a picnic?

It should be safe at room temperature for about two hours. If it’s a hot day, keep it on ice or in a cooler to maintain freshness and food safety.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s crowd-pleasing, bright, and endlessly versatile, give this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad a try. Whether it’s a weekday lunch or a festive summer get-together, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen—happy cooking!

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