Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Name: Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie); 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup cucumber, diced; ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; For the dressing:; ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Posted on May 28, 2025

Colorful Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives, and Fresh Veggies

Dinner

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Looking for a light yet satisfying meal packed with bold Mediterranean flavors? This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is your go-to! It’s a vibrant combination of juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, tangy feta, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette — all tossed with tender pasta. Whether you’re prepping lunch for the week or bringing a dish to a picnic, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad isn’t just easy to make — it’s a fresh, hearty, and healthy meal you’ll want on repeat! It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick dinner on a busy weeknight. The mix of protein-packed chicken, colorful vegetables, and flavorful dressing makes it a balanced dish that doesn’t compromise on taste. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever you have in your fridge.

Ingredients

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is made with simple, wholesome ingredients you can find at any grocery store. It’s colorful, satisfying, and comes together in a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie work great)
1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the dressing:

¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

This recipe is as easy as mix, toss, and enjoy! Here’s how to whip up your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad in just a few steps:

Cook the pasta
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly.
Prepare the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Chop the veggies and chicken
While the pasta cools, slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the parsley. Cube or shred your cooked chicken.
Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta.
Dress it up
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Chill or serve immediately
You can serve it right away or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend even more.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a light family dinner, weekday lunches, or sharing at your next get-together. It’s a well-balanced meal on its own, but you can also serve it as a side dish with grilled meats or warm pita bread.

Timing:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Tips and Variations

Want to mix things up? This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is super flexible! Here are some tasty ways to make it your own:

Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add canned chickpeas or grilled tofu for a plant-based protein.
Switch up the pasta: Try whole wheat pasta, gluten-free varieties, or even orzo for a twist.
Add more veggies: Bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or spinach make great additions.
Use store-bought dressing: In a pinch, a bottled Greek vinaigrette works just fine.
Boost the flavor: Add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of crushed red pepper for extra zing.

Storage

This salad stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers! Just place any extra pasta salad in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Fridge: Keeps well for up to 3–4 days.
Best served: Cold or at room temperature. If it dries out a bit, simply stir in a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a bit — just give it a good stir before serving.

What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, bowtie, or even orzo work great. They hold the dressing and mix-ins well.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.

Is this salad served warm or cold?
It’s best served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or packed lunches.

Can I skip the olives?
Totally! Feel free to leave them out or substitute with capers for a similar briny kick.

What’s a good dairy-free option for feta?
You can use a plant-based feta alternative or simply skip it. Add avocado for creaminess if you’d like.

How do I make the dressing creamier?
Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a bit of hummus to the dressing for a creamy Mediterranean twist.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is everything you want in a meal: fresh, filling, and full of flavor. It’s a simple, wholesome dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep. With juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, tangy feta, and a zesty homemade dressing, every bite is bursting with Mediterranean goodness.

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