This colorful Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of pasta, juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty olives. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and super easy to make!
You can whip this up in no time, and it’s great for meal prep. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day! Who doesn’t love a quick, yummy meal? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta holds the dressing well. If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta like penne or fusilli works great, too!
Chicken: Using cooked chicken breasts saves time. You can substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken or even use canned chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these add a burst of flavor. Grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes are also good alternatives.
Cucumber: For crunch, I like using English cucumbers. You can swap with bell peppers for extra crunch or omit for a lower-carb version.
Olives: Kalamata olives enhance the Mediterranean flavor; however, black olives will work if you prefer a milder taste.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds creaminess; if you’re dairy-free, consider using a vegan feta or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Make the Dressing Come Together Smoothly?
Getting the dressing just right can elevate the salad. Here’s how:
- Start with a bowl to whisk the olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk until it’s blended well; the mustard helps emulsify the oil and vinegar together.
- Taste as you go! You can balance the flavors to your liking by adjusting salt and vinegar.
Tossing this dressing over your salad right before serving makes sure everything is coated evenly without getting soggy!
Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Protein:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) rotini pasta
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, diced
Fresh Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad takes about 15 minutes of active prep time and should chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. So, you can have it ready in about 45 minutes total. It’s a fantastic dish for meal prep or a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta. Follow package instructions and cook until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it off. Set it aside to drain completely.
2. Combine Your Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, diced yellow bell pepper, chopped marinated artichoke hearts, sliced Kalamata olives, diced red onion, and half of the crumbled feta cheese. Gently mix everything together to combine well without breaking the pasta.
3. Whisk Up the Dressing:
In a small bowl, add the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. This dressing is key to bringing all the flavors together!
4. Toss It All Together:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients in the dressing evenly. Make sure everything is mixed well without mushing the ingredients together.
5. Add Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the remaining feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top of the salad. This adds a nice look and extra flavor to your dish!
6. Chill Out:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. This waiting period is a secret to a more flavorful salad!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your salad, give it a light toss and serve it cold or at room temperature. This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is refreshing, nutritious, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Rotini?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitution that adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Just be sure to follow the cooking times on the package as they may vary slightly from regular pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken in This Salad?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, chickpeas or cannellini beans are excellent substitutes! They provide protein and make the salad hearty. You could also use grilled shrimp or tofu if you prefer a different protein source.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle toss before serving again to distribute the dressing.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just try to keep the sizes similar to maintain the balance of flavors!
