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Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Revitalize Your Meals with Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

A delicious Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad combining juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and tangy feta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: high protein salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups rotini pasta A fun shape that holds the dressing beautifully.
  • 1 pound cooked chicken breast Use leftover chicken for extra convenience.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Adds a burst of sweetness and color.
  • 1 cucumber Provides a refreshing crunch to balance other ingredients.
  • 1 bell pepper Offers a sweet, crunchy texture that's hard to resist.
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives Adds a briny depth that embodies Mediterranean flavors.
  • 1 cup feta cheese Creamy and tangy, it elevates the whole dish.
  • ½ red onion Delivers a mild sharpness to enhance the salad's flavor profile.
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley A sprinkle of color and freshness that brightens every bite.
For the Dressing
  • ¾ cup olive oil The essential base for a rich, flavorful dressing.
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Or lemon juice for acidity.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Adds classic Mediterranean taste.
  • salt and pepper Essential for seasoning to bring all flavors together.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • colander
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 2 cups of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and let it cool for a few minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of diced cooked chicken breast, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced bell pepper, ½ cup of sliced Kalamata olives, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, ½ finely chopped red onion, and ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley. Mix well.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Whisk until combined.
  4. Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture along with the cooled rotini pasta. Gently toss until the ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Taste your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad for seasoning and adjust with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if desired.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Serve cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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