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- 2 cups penne pasta - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled and cubed - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste The ingredients for Mediterranean chicken pasta salad make it fresh and tasty. Each component adds a burst of flavor. First, the penne pasta acts as a hearty base. It holds onto the dressing and flavors well. Grilled chicken brings protein and a smoky taste. I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean option. Next, the vegetables add color and crunch. Cherry tomatoes are sweet, while cucumbers are crisp. Kalamata olives give a salty, briny kick. Feta cheese adds creaminess and tang. Red onions bring sharpness, while parsley adds freshness. Now, let’s talk about the dressing. The extra virgin olive oil forms the base. It adds richness and a fruity note. Fresh lemon juice brightens the salad. Dried oregano gives an earthy flavor. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. This mix of ingredients creates a balance of tastes and textures. Each bite is a delight that takes you to the Mediterranean. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Bring salted water to a rolling boil. - Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. - Drain pasta and rinse under cold water. Cooking pasta is easy. The boiling water helps the pasta cook evenly. When the pasta is done, rinsing it with cold water stops the cooking. This step keeps your pasta firm. It also keeps it from getting mushy. - Preheat your grill or grilling pan. - Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a splash of olive oil. - Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. Cut it into bite-sized cubes. Grilling adds great flavor to chicken. The heat seals in the juices. This makes the chicken tender and tasty. After grilling, let the chicken rest. Then cut it into cubes for easy mixing. - Mix cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, and parsley in a bowl. - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. - Combine all components in a large bowl. Fresh vegetables give this salad a bright taste. Mixing them well ensures every bite is full of flavor. The dressing adds zest. Whisking it helps blend the flavors together. - Toss all ingredients gently in the large bowl. - Fold in crumbled feta cheese carefully. - Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Tossing gently helps keep your salad looking nice. Folding in feta adds creaminess. Chilling the salad for 30 minutes lets the flavors blend. This makes each bite taste even better. - Alternative pasta types: You can use rotini, farfalle, or whole wheat pasta instead of penne. - Different protein options: Try shrimp, grilled tofu, or chickpeas if you want a change. - Substituting herbs and cheese: Use basil or mint instead of parsley. Swap feta for goat cheese or skip it for a lighter dish. - Adjusting flavors to taste: Start with less salt and pepper. Add more as you mix. - Using fresh versus dried herbs: Fresh herbs give a brighter flavor. Dried herbs work, too; just use less. - Emulsifying dressing for better taste: Whisk oil and lemon juice well. This makes the dressing smooth and tasty. - Serving in a large salad bowl or individual portions: A big bowl looks inviting. Individual bowls make it easy to serve. - Garnishing with parsley and feta: A sprinkle of parsley or feta on top adds color and style. - Recommended side dishes: Serve with crusty bread or a light soup to round out the meal. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Always cook your pasta to al dente for the perfect texture. It should have a slight bite to it, which will prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients. Marinate Chicken: For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will enhance the taste and juiciness of the chicken. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients, especially herbs and vegetables. This will elevate the taste of your salad and provide a burst of freshness in every bite. Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving will help the flavors meld together, resulting in a more delicious dish. It’s worth the wait! {{image_4}} You can change up your Mediterranean chicken pasta salad with fun add-ins. Here are some tasty options to consider: - Artichoke hearts: These add a nice, tender bite and a unique flavor. - Sun-dried tomatoes: They bring a sweet and tangy taste that pairs well with the pasta. - Avocado: This creamy fruit adds richness and helps make the salad extra filling. Adding these ingredients not only enhances the taste but also adds more texture and color to your dish. Feel free to mix and match these add-ins based on your taste and what you have on hand. You can easily adapt the Mediterranean chicken pasta salad to fit different diets. Here are some great options: - Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free penne pasta. This simple swap lets everyone enjoy the salad without worry. - Vegan variations: Skip the chicken and feta cheese. You can add chickpeas for protein instead. Use a plant-based dressing to keep it vegan-friendly. - Low-carb adaptations: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. This keeps the salad fresh while cutting carbs. These adjustments allow anyone to enjoy this delicious dish, no matter their dietary needs. You can store leftovers of Mediterranean chicken pasta salad in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. To keep the salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out and keeps flavors intact. Avoid adding the dressing until you're ready to eat. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. You can freeze Mediterranean chicken pasta salad, but I don’t recommend it. Freezing can change the texture of the ingredients. If you still want to freeze it, do so without the dressing. Put it in a freezer-safe container. For defrosting, place it in the fridge overnight. This helps keep the salad from becoming mushy. To reheat grilled chicken, use the microwave or a skillet. Heat it gently to avoid drying it out. If using the microwave, cover it to keep moisture in. For the salad, it’s best to serve it cold. If you must reheat it, remove the feta and serve it warm, but it's not the same. Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even tastier. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. In fact, it’s better if you prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance. This gives the flavors time to mix well. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. Grilling the chicken adds a nice flavor and texture. However, you can cook it in other ways. You can bake, sauté, or even poach the chicken. Just ensure it is cooked through and tender. If you don't like Kalamata olives, you can use green olives instead. You could also try capers or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste. Each option brings its own flavor to the salad. You can serve this salad warm if you prefer. Just mix all the ingredients when the chicken and pasta are still warm. The flavors will still taste great, but the salad is best chilled for a refreshing bite. This blog post covered a tasty Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad. We discussed essential ingredients and simple steps to make it. You learned about ingredient swaps and tips to perfect the dressing. Remember, you can change ingredients for your taste or dietary needs. This dish is fresh, filling, and perfect for any meal. You can enjoy it now or store it for later. I hope you try making this salad soon!

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

A refreshing and flavorful pasta salad with grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups penne pasta
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled and cubed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches the al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool.
  • Preheat your grill or grilling pan to medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and a splash of olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent sticking. Grill each breast for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, finely chopped red onion, and the freshly chopped parsley. Toss gently to combine.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well blended and emulsified.
  • Add the cooled penne pasta and cubed grilled chicken to the bowl of vegetables. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss everything gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated and flavors meld together.
  • Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese, being gentle to keep the cheese intact and avoid crumbling it too much.
  • Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully for a tastier salad.

Notes

Chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
Keyword chicken, healthy, Mediterranean, pasta salad