Description
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish featuring tender seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and kalamata olives tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a main dish or side, and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Let rest, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
3. While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and kalamata olives.
5. Drizzle olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the salad. Toss gently to combine and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For extra flavor, add chopped fresh parsley or oregano.
This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If preparing in advance, add a splash of olive oil and lemon juice before serving to refresh the flavors.