Name: Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked rotini pasta (cooled); 2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 small cucumber (diced); ½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced); ½ cup roasted red peppers (chopped); ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced); 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); ⅓ cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re craving a vibrant, satisfying dish that delivers sunshine in every bite, Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is your answer. Packed with juicy chicken, colorful veggies, briny olives, tangy feta, and a punchy homemade dressing, this salad brings all the best Mediterranean flavors to your table with barely any fuss. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or simply treating yourself to a fresh and comforting meal that feels light yet hearty — and you’ll want to make it again and again!

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in its fantastic flavor and texture. Every bite is a perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and crunch, thanks to these all-stars:

Cooked Rotini Pasta (3 cups): Rotini’s twists are perfect for holding onto all that delicious dressing and hearty mix-ins.
Cooked Chicken Breast (2 cups, diced or shredded): Lean and protein-rich chicken makes this salad extra satisfying.
Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): These sweet, juicy gems burst with summery goodness and brighten every bite.
Cucumber (1 small, diced): Crisp cucumber brings refreshing crunch and a cooling effect to balance the savory notes.
Kalamata Olives (½ cup, pitted and sliced): Their briny, bold flavor is essential for true Mediterranean flair.
Roasted Red Peppers (½ cup, chopped): Sweet, smoky peppers add layers of flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
Feta Cheese (½ cup, crumbled): Tangy feta adds creamy, salty bites that tie the salad together.
Red Onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced): Just a little red onion gives a zesty kick and lively crunch.
Fresh Parsley (3 tablespoons, chopped): Bright green parsley lifts the whole bowl with freshness.
Olive Oil (⅓ cup): Good quality olive oil makes for a rich, silky dressing base.
Red Wine Vinegar (2 tablespoons): This adds a zingy, tangy edge to balance the flavors.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Fresh lemon juice wakes up the whole salad and lends summery brightness.
Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Dijon gives the dressing body and a subtle, savory depth.
Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): A classic Mediterranean herb, oregano delivers warmth and aroma.
Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): For a touch of savory garlic flavor without overpowering everything else.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for boosting all the other flavors.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild kick and finish.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add your cooked and cooled rotini pasta, the diced or shredded chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, crumbled feta, thinly sliced red onion, and a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss everything together so you get a rainbow of flavors and textures, ensuring every forkful is loaded with Mediterranean goodness.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl or a mason jar, whisk together your olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shake or stir until the dressing is completely emulsified and everything is well combined. This zesty blend is what ties your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad together, giving it that signature punch.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Pour the homemade dressing evenly over the pasta mixture. Using salad tongs or two big spoons, gently toss until every spiral of pasta and every nibble of chicken and veggie is glossy and coated. Take a moment to marvel at those colors and textures — this salad is as pretty as it is delicious!

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Transfer your salad to the fridge and chill for at least 30 minutes. This short rest allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite even better. If you’re making the salad ahead, you can cover and refrigerate it overnight worry-free.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Garnishes

This salad loves a finishing touch! Right before serving, sprinkle with a little extra fresh parsley or crumbled feta for a pop of color and flavor. If you have them on hand, a twist of fresh cracked pepper or a few more sliced olives make a beautiful garnish.

Side Dishes

Turn your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad into a full feast with some simple sides. Warm pita bread, grilled vegetables, a bowl of hummus, or even a crisp green salad pair perfectly. For those who love a little extra zest, a few lemon wedges on the side are always welcome.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make your meal extra memorable, try spooning the pasta salad into crisp lettuce cups, serving it in individual mason jars for picnics, or plating it family-style on a big platter lined with greens. The colors and textures beg to be shown off, so don’t be shy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Packed with hearty chicken and fresh veggies, leftover Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just seal it in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. Give it a quick toss before serving, as the dressing may settle to the bottom.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze this salad, the texture of the pasta and fresh vegetables may suffer a bit after thawing. For best flavor and crunch, enjoy this salad fresh or chilled from the fridge, rather than frozen and reheated.

Reheating

Since this dish is designed to be eaten cold, reheating isn’t necessary! If you’d like to take the chill off or serve it at room temperature, simply let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving — no microwave required.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for catching the dressing and mix-ins, penne, farfalle, or fusilli all work well. Choose your favorite shape or whatever you have on hand for your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, just leave out the chicken and bulk things up with extra veggies like artichoke hearts, chickpeas, or bell pepper. The salad still delivers plenty of bold flavor and crunch without the meat.

How far in advance can I make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad?

You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. In fact, letting it rest overnight in the fridge helps the flavors really meld together. Just give it a quick toss before serving to freshen it up.

What protein can I use instead of chicken?

You’re free to swap in poached shrimp, canned tuna, grilled steak strips, or even cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian spin. This recipe is forgiving and customizable for your favorite proteins.

Do I have to use fresh herbs?

Fresh parsley adds wonderful flavor and color, but if you’re in a pinch, dried parsley works too. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or mint for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a dish that’s wholesome, hugely flavorful, and downright delightful, give Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad a try. It’s become a staple in my kitchen for good reason — and I think it’s about to be a favorite in yours too. Happy cooking!

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light meal or summer gathering. Packed with protein, veggies, and Mediterranean flavors, it’s a satisfying salad that comes together easily.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Salad:

3 cups cooked rotini pasta (cooled)
2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 small cucumber (diced)
½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
½ cup roasted red peppers (chopped)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Dressing:

⅓ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, roasted red peppers, feta, red onion, and parsley.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Toss Salad: Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Chill: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.