Name: Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for cooking and dressing); Salt and pepper, to season chicken; 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta; 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes; 1 medium cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; 1 cup feta cheese crumbles; 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or oregano); Salt and pepper, to taste

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Welcome the Flavors of Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

I love how the Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is the perfect blend of vibrant, fresh flavors and hearty textures. It’s like a sunny day on a plate—bubbly with zesty olives, crisp cucumbers, and that tangy feta cheese that just sings. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a family picnic, this dish always feels like a little celebration. You’ll enjoy how every bite delivers a taste of the Mediterranean coast, right in your own kitchen.

This salad shines both as a main or a side dish and keeps beautifully chilled, making it ideal for meal prep or a potluck crowd. Plus, its colorful ingredients bring so much joy to the table—trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser anytime! I find that letting the flavors meld for a bit makes it even more delicious, so if you can let it rest in the fridge beforehand, you’re in for a real treat.

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Daisy’s Top Tips

Flavor Builder: Marinate your chicken briefly in garlic, lemon, and oregano for an extra burst of Mediterranean charm.
Texture Magic: To keep cucumbers crisp, salt them lightly and drain excess moisture before adding.
Budget Friendly: Use canned chicken or leftover roast chicken to save time and money without sacrificing flavor.
Time Saver: Boil pasta and cook chicken simultaneously to speed things up on busy nights.

Market Basket & Pantry Picks

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Picking the right ingredients is half the battle in nailing the Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe. Freshness is key, especially for the veggies and herbs that provide that crisp and fragrant punch. Don’t worry if you can’t find kalamata olives—you can substitute with black olives for a milder touch. I also recommend going for good quality extra virgin olive oil, since it makes a big difference in flavor depth.

Cooked, diced chicken breast (2 cups): Grilled or pan-seared adds a nice golden crisp.
Penne or rotini pasta (8 ounces): Holds dressing well with its twists and ridges.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Look for firm and plump for a juicy burst.
Medium cucumber (diced): Choose firm and unwaxed for best crunch.
Red onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite.
Feta cheese crumbles (1 cup): Opt for block feta and crumble yourself for freshness.
Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, pitted): Briny and tangy for true Mediterranean flair.
Extra virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons): The foundation for a silky dressing.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten every layer.
Herbs (optional): Fresh oregano or parsley add lovely aromatic notes.

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Smart Shopping Ideas

Buy cherry tomatoes and cucumbers when they’re firm and shiny to ensure lasting freshness. For feta, check if you can get it in brine—it’s tastier and stays moist longer. Frozen cooked chicken is a great standby to keep on hand when time is short, and try to select olives that are pitted for hassle-free prep. Last but not least, always pick extra virgin olive oil with a fruity, peppery note for maximum flavor.

Cook Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe Step by Step

Once you’ve gathered your vibrant ingredients, it’s time to get cooking. This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for sautéing, boiling, and tossing your way to flavor town. Follow these steps for a saucy, satisfying salad with a perfect balance of textures and bright, sunny flavors.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano or your favorite dried herb. Cook chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes per side. Let it cool slightly before dicing into bite-sized chunks; this resting keeps the chicken juicy.
Cook the Pasta: While chicken cooks, boil the penne or rotini in salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain but don’t rinse—the starches help the dressing stick beautifully to each noodle.
Prep the Veggies: Dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, finely chop red onion, and pit and slice olives if needed. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can be chopped at this point to sprinkle some extra flavor.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together cooked pasta, diced chicken, vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. The mixture should look colorful and inviting.
Add the Dressing: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly with that fragrant, glossy dressing.
Season to Taste: Sample your salad and adjust seasoning as needed—sometimes a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice makes all the difference. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving if you can; it lets the flavors mingle beautifully.

Serving the Dish with Flair

I love serving this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe straight from a beautiful bowl for a casual family dinner or on a platter at summer get-togethers. The colors alone bring smiles, and the fresh aromas invite everyone to dive in. You’ll enjoy garnishing with a sprig of fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of feta for a simple plating upgrade that elevates your meal without any fuss.

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Serve It Up Right

Perfect Pairings: A chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the dish beautifully.
Plating Magic: Serve with fresh pita bread or a side of grilled veggies for added Mediterranean vibes.
Leftover Love: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Toss gently before serving to refresh textures.
Occasion Twist: For parties, serve in mini cups or over crisp lettuce for an elegant appetizer option.

Fun Variations with Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, slightly sweet tang.
Swap grilled chicken for shrimp or canned tuna for an exciting protein twist.
Include roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts to boost veggie variety and color.
Mix in chopped fresh basil or mint to brighten herbal notes.
Stir in a spoonful of pesto or a dollop of tzatziki for creamy Mediterranean flair.
For a creamier version, toss with a Greek yogurt and lemon dressing instead of olive oil alone.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Refrigerate the salad in a sealed container for up to 3 days—you’ll find the flavors deepen and meld beautifully.
To prevent soggy veggies, add cucumbers and olives just before serving if prepping earlier.
Freezing this salad isn’t recommended due to the fresh vegetables and cheese; instead, freeze cooked chicken and pasta separately for quick assembly later.
Before serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle toss and add a fresh drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh flavors and texture.