Bring a burst of sunshine to your table with this vibrant Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad. Packed with juicy chicken breast, perfectly cooked pasta, and a medley of crisp, colorful vegetables, this dish is both refreshing and satisfying. Think sweet cherry tomatoes, cool cucumbers, salty kalamata olives, and creamy feta—all tied together with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing.
This dish is a breeze to prepare and makes an excellent option for meal prep, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Serve it as a hearty main or a flavorful side—it’s versatile, nutritious, and full of Mediterranean charm.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad
- Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients and easy steps.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh for days in the fridge.
- Customizable – Swap veggies, pasta, or proteins to fit your taste.
- Nutritious – Loaded with protein and fresh produce.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🍴 How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional herbs like oregano or paprika. Sauté in olive oil over medium heat for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temp: 165°F). Let rest, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let it cool—don’t rinse unless necessary. You want those natural starches to help the dressing stick!
Step 3: Prep the Veggies
Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion. Combine in a large mixing bowl with the olives.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooled pasta and diced chicken to the bowl with the veggies. Sprinkle in the feta cheese and Italian herbs.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad. Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently to coat everything evenly. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
🧊 Serving & Storage Tips
Serving: Serve cold or at room temperature. Garnish with extra herbs like parsley or basil and lemon wedges for a fresh finish.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Great for make-ahead lunches or easy weeknight meals.
❗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta – It should be firm to the bite. Al dente pasta holds up better in salads.
- Skipping seasoning – Season each step: the chicken, the pasta water, and the final dressing.
- Rushing the marination – Let the chicken sit with seasonings (or a marinade) for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Using bland ingredients – Opt for fresh veggies, high-quality olive oil, and real feta for the best results.
✅ Tips & Variations
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs.
- Swap proteins – Try grilled shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Add roasted veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra depth.
- Toss in nuts – Pine nuts or walnuts add crunch and healthy fats.
- Change up the dressing – A yogurt or tahini-based dressing gives a creamy twist.
🧠 FAQs
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors blend.
Q: What if I don’t have feta?
Try goat cheese, mozzarella pearls, or a vegan alternative.
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Fusilli, bow ties, or even orzo all work well.
🥗 Conclusion
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing, flavorful, and flexible dish that you can whip up in under an hour. With its bright colors, zesty dressing, and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a healthy addition to your weekly meal prep lineup.
Try it today and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen!