Mediterranean chicken pasta salad: 20-min divine meal

I am absolutely obsessed with the bright and bold flavors of the Mediterranean. There is something about that mix of lemon, herbs, and salt that just wakes up your taste buds. I remember serving this exact dish at a summer garden party last year. I was running around trying to get everything ready and I just set this huge bowl on the table. Within ten minutes people were asking for the recipe. The salty feta and the juicy chicken are a match made in heaven. It is easily a crowd favorite every single time I make it. You get that crunch and that zing in every single bite. It is just so fresh and easy.

Why You Will Love This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

You are going to love how versatile this recipe is. I make a huge batch on Sundays and use it for my meal prep lunches all week long. It stays fresh and delicious in the fridge. It is also the perfect thing to bring to a potluck because it travels so well. You get a meal that is healthy and filling without feeling heavy. The best part is that you can throw the whole thing together in less than thirty minutes. It is fast and simple and honestly tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Make sure you grab the freshest vegetables you can find. That extra crunch from a fresh cucumber makes a huge difference. Here is what you need to get started.

• Short pasta like rotini or penne
• Cooked chicken breast shredded or cubed
• Cherry tomatoes halved
• English cucumber diced
• Kalamata olives pitted and sliced
• Red onion thinly sliced
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley chopped
• Homemade or store bought Greek vinaigrette

The Best Pasta Shapes to Use

I always tell my friends to stick with pasta that has ridges or holes. Shapes like rotini or penne are superior for a salad like this. Those little grooves catch the dressing and the tiny bits of feta cheese. You want every piece of pasta to be coated in flavor. When you use a smooth pasta the dressing just slides right off and pools at the bottom of the bowl. We want that flavor to stick to the noodles.

Choosing the Right Chicken

You have a couple of great options here. If you are in a total rush just grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. You can shred it up in minutes and it tastes amazing. If you have a little more time try using grilled chicken. It adds a nice smoky flavor that goes great with the olives. Just a little tip from my kitchen to yours. Let the chicken cool down completely before you toss it with the vegetables. You do not want the heat from the chicken to wilt your beautiful fresh greens or soften the cucumbers.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Step-by-Step

This process is so straightforward. Just follow these steps and you will have a masterpiece ready to eat.

• Boil your pasta in heavily salted water until it is al dente
• Drain the pasta and rinse it immediately under cold water to stop the cooking
• Grab a large bowl and combine your cooled pasta with the chicken and chopped vegetables
• Pour your favorite Greek dressing over the mixture and toss it gently to coat everything
• Fold in the feta cheese and the fresh parsley last so they stay intact
• Pop it in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes before you serve it

Tips for the Best Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

I know some people say you should never rinse pasta but for a cold salad it is essential. Rinsing stops the cooking process and washes away the extra starch. This prevents your salad from becoming one big sticky clump. Another big thing is to avoid overcooking your noodles. You want them to have a little bit of a bite. If they are too soft they will turn into mush once they start absorbing the vinaigrette. Keep an eye on that timer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

I get asked about this salad all the time. Here are the answers to the most common questions.

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes you definitely should. It actually tastes better after it sits for a few hours because the flavors have time to meld together.
• How long does it stay fresh? This salad will stay good for up to three days if you keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Can I make it vegetarian? Totally. Just leave out the chicken and throw in some extra chickpeas for a boost of protein.

Estimated Nutritional Information

This breakdown is based on a standard serving size so you know exactly what you are getting.

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 520mg

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