Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful and colorful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. This salad features tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all complemented by a light lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a refreshing side at gatherings, this salad is not just visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. With just 15 minutes of preparation, it’s an easy-to-customize recipe that can adapt to seasonal ingredients and personal tastes. Whether served chilled as a main course or alongside grilled meats at barbecues, Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown (about 7-10 minutes). Let rest before dicing.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Combine in a large mixing bowl.
- Add cooked chicken, pasta, feta cheese, and olives to the bowl with vegetables. Toss gently.
- Drizzle olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the mixture, tossing again to combine evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg