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- 2 cups rotini pasta - 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 3 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper, to taste When I make Mediterranean chicken pasta salad, I love the bright flavors. Each ingredient adds a unique taste that makes this dish special. For the pasta, I choose rotini. It holds the dressing well and adds a fun twist. The cooked chicken breast is easy to find. You can use leftover chicken or buy pre-cooked. It saves time and makes meal prep simple. Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness. Their vibrant color brightens the dish. Cucumbers add a crisp and cool bite. Kalamata olives bring a rich, briny flavor. I love the creamy feta cheese. It melts slightly into the warm pasta, creating a delicious blend. Red onion gives a slight crunch and a bit of spice. Fresh parsley adds more than color; it brings freshness. For the dressing, I mix olive oil with lemon juice and oregano. This combination is zesty and uplifting. The salt and pepper balance all the flavors. - Extra feta cheese - Fresh parsley - Olive oil drizzle To make the dish even prettier, I add optional garnishes. A sprinkle of extra feta and a drizzle of olive oil look beautiful. Fresh parsley on top adds a bright green touch. These little changes make the salad pop. For the complete list of instructions and tips, refer to the Full Recipe. - Bring salted water to a boil. - Cook rotini pasta until al dente. Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt. This helps the pasta gain flavor. Once the water is boiling, add the rotini pasta. Stir it well to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. You want it firm but tender, so check for al dente. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down. Set the pasta aside for later. - Combine chicken and vegetables. - Mix dressing ingredients. In a big mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped red onion, and parsley. This mix brings bright colors and flavors together. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This dressing adds zest to the salad. Make sure it blends well for the best taste. - Combine pasta with chicken mixture. - Toss with the dressing until well coated. Now, add the cooled pasta to the chicken and vegetable mix. Pour the dressing over everything. Gently toss all the ingredients together. You want each piece to be coated with the dressing. This step makes the salad flavorful and fresh. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. For a chilled dish, let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad! To prevent pasta from sticking, use enough water. A good rule is to boil at least 4 quarts of water for every pound of pasta. Add salt once it boils. This not only adds flavor but helps keep pasta separate. Stir the pasta often for the first couple of minutes. This helps keep it from clumping together. Rinse the cooked pasta in cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down for your salad. For seasoning, taste as you go. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can always add more later. Fresh herbs pack a punch. Use parsley, basil, or oregano to brighten your dish. When making the dressing, whisk well. This helps blend the flavors. You want a good balance of acid and oil. Lemon juice brightens the salad, so don’t skip it! If you want chicken alternatives, try grilled shrimp or turkey. Both add great flavor and protein. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quick option. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, chickpeas or white beans work well. They add protein and texture. Use any beans you have on hand. Black beans or cannellini beans are great choices too. For a beautiful presentation, serve in a large, shallow bowl. Garnish with extra parsley and feta cheese. A drizzle of olive oil on top adds shine and flavor. You can also add lemon slices for a pop of color. For side dishes, crusty bread pairs well. A light green salad or grilled vegetables complement the pasta salad nicely. Enjoy your meal with a glass of crisp white wine for a full Mediterranean experience. {{image_2}} You can enhance your Mediterranean chicken pasta salad with some tasty ingredients. - Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor. They work well with the chicken and olives. Chop them into small pieces and mix them in for a burst of taste. - Artichoke hearts bring a unique, slightly nutty flavor. Use canned or jarred artichokes for ease. Simply cut them into quarters and fold them in. If you want to make this dish healthier, consider these swaps. - Whole grain pasta provides more fiber and nutrients. It helps keep you full longer. Cook it the same way as regular pasta for great results. - Low-fat dressing options can cut calories without losing flavor. Look for yogurt-based dressings or make your own with lemon juice and herbs. You can change this salad with the seasons. - In summer, add grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. They add a nice smoky taste. Just toss them on the grill, chop, and mix into your salad. - For a fall twist, try adding roasted squash. It gives a sweet and rich flavor. Roast it until tender, then cut it into cubes for your salad. Feel free to get creative and make this salad your own! The full recipe will guide you through all the steps. To keep your Mediterranean chicken pasta salad fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place the salad in an airtight container. This helps keep it moist and flavorful. If you have a large batch, divide it into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it over several days. Aim to eat leftovers within three to four days for the best taste and safety. You can freeze this pasta salad, but it may change texture. If you choose to freeze it, use freezer-safe containers. Avoid using glass, as it can crack. Before freezing, remove any fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers. These do not freeze well. To thaw, place the salad in the fridge overnight. This helps maintain its flavor. Enjoy your Mediterranean chicken pasta salad at its best by following these simple steps. For the full recipe, check the Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad. You can make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad a day before. Just follow the full recipe. After mixing, cover it and store in the fridge. This allows flavors to blend well. When ready to serve, give it a quick toss for freshness. Yes, you can serve this salad warm. Just skip the chilling step after mixing. Warm pasta can be tasty too. However, I suggest serving it cold for the best flavor. The fresh veggies will crunch better chilled. To make it more filling, try adding chickpeas or quinoa. These add protein and fiber. You can also include roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts. These add flavor and texture. Nuts like pine nuts or walnuts can also boost the dish. Absolutely, this recipe is great for meal prep! It stays fresh for several days in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container. You can grab it for lunch or dinner all week long. - Refer to the Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad for the complete list of instructions and tips. This article shared a simple Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad recipe. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. Remember, you can customize this dish using different vegetables or proteins. It’s a great option for meal prep or sharing at gatherings. Enjoy storing, serving, and savoring this tasty salad. You’ll find it easy to make and perfect for any meal!

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Create a delicious Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad that’s perfect for any gathering! Loaded with rotini pasta, tender chicken, fresh veggies, and tangy feta, this salad is a flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make. Toss it with a zesty olive oil and lemon dressing for a refreshing meal. Discover the full recipe and impress your friends with this vibrant dish. Click through to explore the delightful ingredients and step-by-step instructions!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rotini pasta

1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the rotini 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. Set aside.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, red onion, and parsley.

      In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well blended.

        Add the cooked pasta to the chicken and vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.

          Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. For a chilled salad, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

            Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 6-8

              - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl garnished with additional parsley and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for visual appeal.