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Bella

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is a must-try!

Fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious—this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of protein-packed chicken, tangy feta, briny olives, and crisp veggies tossed in a light lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s a colorful and satisfying dish ideal for meal prep, picnics, or a refreshing lunch on warm days.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast grilled or sautéed8 ounces penne or rotini pasta, cooked al dente1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved1 medium cucumber, diced1/4 cup finely chopped red onion1 cup crumbled feta cheese1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice from 1 lemon)1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)Salt and pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optionally some paprika or Italian herbs. Sauté in olive oil over medium heat for 6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Let it rest, then dice.
  2. Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  3. Prepare the vegetables by dicing the cucumber, halving the cherry tomatoes, and finely chopping the red onion.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta cheese, and olives.
  5. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle in the dried herbs. Toss everything gently until evenly combined.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

You can make this salad a day in advance for even better flavor. Substitute grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a different protein. Use gluten-free pasta if needed. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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