Zesty Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful

Summers call for fresh, zesty meals that burst with Mediterranean chicken pasta salad flavors and colors.

Crisp vegetables and tender chicken create a delightful dance of textures on the plate.

Each forkful brings a harmony of herbs, olive oil, and tangy notes that transport you to sunny coastal landscapes.

This recipe combines simple ingredients with bold Mediterranean seasonings for an unforgettable dining experience.

Bright cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil add depth and freshness to every bite.

The light yet satisfying combination makes this dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Dive into this Mediterranean-inspired culinary adventure and savor every delicious moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

• Pasta: Provides hearty foundation for the salad, choose short shapes like rotini or penne for easy mixing and dressing absorption.

• Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion: Creates vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile with lean protein and fresh, crisp vegetables that add texture and nutrition. Select tender, well-cooked chicken and ripe, firm vegetables.
• Olives: Adds briny, salty Mediterranean touch that complements other ingredients. Choose pitted varieties for convenience.
• Parsley: Brings fresh, herbaceous brightness and visual appeal. Select bright green, crisp leaves.

• Olive Oil: Authentic Mediterranean base that adds richness and smooth texture. Use extra virgin for best flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, tangy acidity that balances the dish. Fresh squeezed is ideal.
• Dijon Mustard: Offers subtle tang and helps emulsify dressing for smooth consistency.
• Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that adds earthy, aromatic notes.
• Garlic: Delivers deep, pungent flavor. Fresh cloves provide most robust taste.
• Feta Cheese: Introduces creamy, salty element typical of Mediterranean cuisine. Select high-quality, crumbly cheese.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavor profile.

Tools That Help Build Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly.
• Colander: Needed to drain and rinse pasta quickly.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing smoothly.
• Large serving bowl: Great for combining and mixing all salad ingredients.
• Cutting board: Required for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Sharp knife: Useful for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Measuring spoons: Helps measure dressing ingredients accurately.

How to Toss Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad With Ease

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta until tender with a slight bite, draining and rinsing with cold water to stop cooking and create a refreshing temperature.

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

Blend olive oil, fresh lemon juice, tangy mustard, fragrant herbs, and minced garlic into a vibrant, smooth mixture that will awaken your taste buds.

• Create Flavor Fusion

Combine cooled pasta with tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny olives, sharp red onion, and fresh herbs in a large mixing bowl.

Pour dressing over ingredients and toss gently to coat every morsel with delicious Mediterranean flavors.

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a creamy, salty finish.

• Chill and Delight

Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and develop a rich, harmonious taste.

Serve chilled or at room temperature for a perfect summer meal that transports you to the sunny Mediterranean coast.

Add-Ins That Work Well in This Pasta Salad

• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a firm texture and prevent mushiness in the final salad.
• Prepare the salad a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and intensify, making it even more delicious.
• Replace chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu for a vegetarian version, or use canned tuna for a quick seafood alternative.
• Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or mint to add a unique twist and boost the Mediterranean flavor profile.

Serve Mediterranean Pasta Salad Cold or Room Temp

• Picnic Perfect Plating: Spread this colorful salad on a large wooden board with extra feta crumbles and fresh herbs for a stunning presentation.
• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or crispy capers on top just before serving to add exciting crunch and extra Mediterranean flair.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this dish into a heartier meal by serving alongside grilled shrimp, additional sliced chicken, or a hard-boiled egg for extra protein.
• Leftover Love Hack: Pack individual portions in mason jars for quick lunch prep or enjoy as a delicious next-day meal that tastes even better after flavors have melded overnight.

Storage Tips for Keeping It Fresh and Flavorful

• Refrigerate the pasta salad in an airtight container for maximum freshness, keeping it crisp and flavorful for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate liquid dressing from salad ingredients if planning extended storage to prevent soggy pasta and maintain optimal texture.
• Portion individual servings in sealed containers for grab-and-go meals, perfect for work, picnics, or quick weekday lunches.
• Keep chicken, vegetables, and dressing separately in refrigerator, combining just before eating to ensure peak crunchiness and prevent ingredient breakdown.

Vibrant Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean charm shines through this delightful chicken pasta salad, blending zesty herbs with tender chicken and crisp vegetables. Fresh ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors create a refreshing meal you’ll crave on warm summer days.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (200 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (grilled or rotisserie)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until perfectly tender, ensuring a delicate al dente texture. Immediately drain and refresh under cold water to halt cooking process and maintain optimal pasta consistency.
2. Flavor Infusion: Craft a vibrant Mediterranean dressing by whisking olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, aromatic oregano, minced garlic, and seasoning until smoothly emulsified.
3. Ingredient Symphony: In a spacious mixing vessel, artfully combine cooked pasta, tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny olives, sharp red onion, and verdant parsley. Drizzle prepared dressing generously and toss with gentle circular motions to distribute flavors evenly. Delicately incorporate crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to create creamy pockets throughout the salad.
4. Flavor Melding: Allow salad to rest in refrigerator for minimum 30 minutes, enabling ingredients to harmonize and develop rich, complex taste profiles. Serve chilled or at ambient temperature, presenting a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with dressing and chilled.
• Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper taste profiles.
• Swap chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for vegetarian options, ensuring balanced protein content for different dietary needs.
• Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated vinaigrette that coats each pasta and vegetable evenly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg