Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini) – for the pasta salad with chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced – for a hearty protein boost
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – to add sweetness and juiciness
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced – for crunch and freshness
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced – authentic Mediterranean flavor
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced – for a mild pungency
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – aromatic garnish
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese – creamy and tangy
- 2 tbsp olive oil – healthy fats and flavor enhancer
- Juice of 1 lemon – for brightness and acidity
- 1 tsp dried oregano – for authentic Mediterranean aroma
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and to cool the pasta for a refreshing salad.
- If not pre-cooked, grill or pan-fry chicken breasts with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano until cooked through. Rest the chicken, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, and red onion. Toss gently to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything thoroughly.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. For an extra flavor boost, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or chili flakes as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute grilled shrimp, tuna, or chickpeas for chicken to make this dish vegetarian or to vary protein sources.
- Prepare the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess.
- Warm up leftovers slightly or serve cold. Fresh lemon juice can be added before serving to enhance flavors.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Healthy, High-Protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg