Go Back

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Fresh pasta salad with grilled chicken, feta, olives, and vegetables in creamy Mediterranean dressing, perfect for meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 0.5 cup black olives sliced
  • 0.75 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely diced
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
Dressing
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Grill pan or skillet

Method
 

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken breast with salt, pepper, and oregano, then grill or sauté until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Prepare all vegetables by halving the cherry tomatoes, dicing the cucumber into small cubes, slicing the black olives, finely dicing the red onion, and chopping the fresh parsley.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, red onion, and chopped parsley.
  6. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
  7. Add the crumbled feta cheese and fold it in gently to avoid breaking it down too much, allowing some larger chunks to remain for texture.
  8. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together, or serve immediately if preferred.

Notes

This pasta salad tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add extra dressing or a splash of olive oil before serving leftovers if needed.