This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is colorful and packed with flavors! With juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and tasty dressing, it’s a delightful meal for any day.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up! I like to make extra and enjoy it for lunch the next day—perfect for busy weeks. 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisted pasta shapes hold the dressing and flavors well. If you don’t have rotini, fusilli or penne are great alternatives that work just as well.
Cooked Chicken: Diced cooked chicken breast gives protein and heartiness. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to save time. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or grilled tofu!
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness brightens the salad. If they’re out of season, try grape tomatoes, or even diced regular tomatoes. Just deseed them to avoid excess liquid.
Kalamata Olives: These add a unique salty flavor. If you can’t find them, green olives work, or you can leave them out for a milder taste.
Feta Cheese: This adds a creamy, tangy punch. If you’re dairy-free, try a crumbled tofu feta or leave it out altogether.
How Do I Keep My Pasta Salad from Being Soggy?
To avoid a soggy pasta salad, cooling the pasta is key. Rinse it under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. This helps prevent it from sticking.
- Cook the rotini until just al dente; it will absorb dressing while sitting.
- Always ensure your vegetables are dry before adding them to the salad. Wet veggies add extra moisture.
- Only add the dressing right before serving, or you can dress the pasta salad an hour in advance and keep it chilled.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
Vegetables and Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (yellow or red), diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad will take around 20 minutes to prepare. If you choose to let it chill for an additional 30 minutes, the total time will be 50 minutes. It’s a quick and refreshing dish that’s full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the instructions on the package until it’s al dente. This means it should be cooked but still a little firm to the bite. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set the cooled pasta aside.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, sliced Kalamata olives, chopped artichoke hearts, and finely chopped red onion. This colorful mix is going to make your salad very appetizing!
3. Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl with the veggies and chicken. Give it a gentle stir to start mixing everything together.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This dressing will bring all the flavors together nicely!
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour your homemade dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together so that the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:
Top your salad with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley. This will not only add flavor but also make your dish look beautiful.
7. Serve or Chill:
You can serve your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad immediately, or if you have time, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling will help the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your delicious and healthy salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for this salad, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes such as penne, farfalle, or fusilli. Just make sure to cook it to al dente for the best texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken?
If you’re looking for a meatless option, you can replace the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or even grilled shrimp. For a vegetarian version, just ensure that your substitutions match your desired flavor and texture!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad looks dry after storage, just add a splash of olive oil or a little extra dressing before serving again.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad actually benefits from being made ahead! You can prepare it a few hours in advance or even the day before. Just keep it covered in the fridge and give it a good toss before serving to refresh all the flavors.
