Description
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh vegetables, all drizzled with a zesty dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this salad offers a refreshing taste of the Mediterranean that everyone will love. With its colorful ingredients and simple preparation, it’s not just a meal—it’s an experience!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz fusilli or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about six minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and sliced chicken.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is well-coated.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Substitute chicken with shrimp or chickpeas for different protein options. Add seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra freshness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.