Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

The Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh, wholesome, and versatile dish created for busy home cooks searching for satisfying, nutrient-rich meals. Whether you’re planning cooked dinner ideas or looking for Mediterranean recipes for lunch, this recipe fits perfectly into healthy weekly meal prep and warm-weather cooking. Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad blends bright vegetables, lean protein, and hearty pasta into a flavorful bowl that works as a full main dish.

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad has become a favorite among those who want food that is both nourishing and convenient. The combination of fresh herbs, juicy chicken, and colorful vegetables gives this dish its signature Mediterranean charm. Because it stores well and tastes great chilled, it also serves as one of the best options for easy healthy salad recipes for dinner or fresh lunch ideas summer.

Table of Contents

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Ingredients

Below is a detailed and organized list of everything you need to create this dish.

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Cooked chicken breast, diced	2 cups
Cooked rotini or penne pasta	3 cups
Cherry tomatoes, halved	1 cup
English cucumber, diced	1 cup
Kalamata olives, sliced	½ cup
Red onion, thinly sliced	¼ cup
Crumbled feta cheese	½ cup
Fresh parsley, chopped	¼ cup

Dressing Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Extra-virgin olive oil	⅓ cup
Lemon juice	3 tbsp
Red wine vinegar	1 tbsp
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Dried oregano	1 tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Black pepper	½ tsp

Instructions and Helpful Tips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook your pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Slice and chop all vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add cooked diced chicken to the bowl with the vegetables.
4. Add the cooked pasta and toss gently to combine.
5. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until fully coated.
7. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley.
8. Chill for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.

Helpful Tips

• For extra healthy meals, use whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein.
• Make this part of prep healthy meals for the week by portioning the salad into airtight containers.
• Add grilled vegetables like zucchini or red peppers for more Mediterranean flavor.
• If serving this as one of your main meal salad recipes, add extra chicken or chickpeas for more protein.
• Store leftovers for up to four days. This dish improves in flavor as it sits, making it great for Saturday food or easy lunches.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing, nourishing, and versatile dish suitable for busy weeknights and warm summer days. With its vibrant flavors and balanced ingredients, it easily fits into easy healthy salad recipes for dinner, fresh lunch ideas summer, and cooked dinner ideas that nourish and satisfy. Whether you want a flavorful meal to enjoy at home or a convenient option to take to work, this recipe delivers on both taste and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long can Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad be stored?

It keeps well in the refrigerator for three to four days, making it perfect for meal prep and weekly planning.

2. Can I make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad without chicken?

Yes, you can replace chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.

3. Is Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad good for healthy meal prep?

Yes, this dish is ideal for healthy weekly prep because it stores well and maintains its flavor.

4. What pasta is best for Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad?

Short pastas like rotini, penne, or farfalle work best because they hold the dressing and mix well with vegetables.