Description
Discover the vibrant and healthy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad, a flavorful and nutritious meal packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and Mediterranean herbs, perfect for a quick lunch or picnic. This easy-to-make salad combines wholesome ingredients like pasta, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, and family dinners, enjoy the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz of cooked pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley and basil, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and basil. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for optimal flavor.
- Adjust herbs and seasoning to taste.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds.
- Keep the dressing separate if preparing in advance to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg