Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

$- 2 cups rotini pasta - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste When measuring ingredients, use standard measuring cups for accuracy. For the pasta, ensure you measure it dry. After cooking, the rotini will expand in size. When measuring liquids, like olive oil and vinegar, use a liquid measuring cup. This helps you get the right amount for the dressing. Feel free to add extra ingredients to your salad. You can include bell peppers for crunch or avocado for creaminess. Artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes can add great flavors too. If you like spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. These choices can personalize your salad and make it even tastier. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil a pot of water. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Then, cook 2 cups of rotini pasta. Follow the package instructions until it is al dente. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This cools the pasta down and stops the cooking. Grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, add the cooled pasta. Next, add 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced. Then, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, and 1/2 cup of finely chopped red onion. Don’t forget 1/2 cup of pitted and halved Kalamata olives, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Mix these ingredients gently to combine them well. Now, take a small bowl. In this bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. You can also use balsamic vinegar if you prefer. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well mixed. Pour the dressing over the pasta and chicken mixture. Toss everything gently to coat all the ingredients. Make sure the pasta and chicken are evenly covered with the dressing. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss again and adjust the seasoning if needed. To get the best pasta, cook the rotini until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions for time. After cooking, drain it well and rinse it under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process. Rinsing also cools the pasta fast, so it mixes well with the other fresh ingredients. To boost the taste, use fresh herbs like parsley. Fresh herbs make a big difference. You can also try adding lemon juice for a zesty kick. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice heat. Mix the dressing well and let the salad chill. This lets all the flavors blend together, making each bite amazing. Serve the salad in a large bowl for a family-style meal. You can also use individual bowls for a nice touch. Sprinkle some extra feta cheese on top for color. Add a few whole olives or parsley leaves for garnish. This makes the dish look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your salad. Opt for in-season produce for the best taste. Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a more delicious dish. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, chickpeas, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option. Make it Ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge for a day or two, making it a perfect make-ahead option for meal prep or gatherings. {{image_2}} You can easily make this salad vegetarian. Skip the chicken and add more veggies. Try using chickpeas for protein and fiber. They add a nice texture too. You can also add artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers. These ingredients will bring rich flavors to your dish. If you want to switch up the protein, there are many choices. Shrimp or salmon work great for a seafood twist. You can also use turkey or tofu for a different taste. Both options blend well with the Mediterranean flavors. Just cook them as you like, and toss them in. The dressing can change the salad's vibe. If you want a zesty kick, try lemon juice instead of vinegar. You can also use Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. For a spicy touch, add a bit of sriracha or chili flakes. These options will make your salad unique and more exciting. To keep your Mediterranean chicken pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Place the salad in the fridge right after you make it. If you have leftovers, make sure to cover them well. Avoid adding extra dressing until you are ready to eat. This will help keep the pasta from getting soggy. Reheating this salad isn’t usually needed. It tastes great cold. If you prefer it warm, heat portions in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir it gently to mix the heat evenly. Be careful not to overheat. Overcooking will change the texture of the chicken and pasta. When stored properly, your Mediterranean chicken pasta salad can last up to three days in the fridge. After that, the flavors may fade. If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses. Enjoy your meal within a few days for the best taste! Yes, you can make this salad in advance. It tastes even better after sitting. The flavors mix well when you let it chill in the fridge. I suggest making it a few hours ahead or the night before. Just remember to stir it before serving. You can add many different vegetables! Try bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra color and taste. Artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers also work well. Feel free to mix in what you love or have on hand. No, this salad is not gluten-free due to the rotini pasta. But you can use gluten-free pasta instead. This swap keeps the dish tasty and friendly for those who avoid gluten. Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great idea! It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred or dice the chicken before mixing it in. This makes the salad quick to prepare and still delightful. In this article, we covered key steps to make a delicious salad. We explored the right ingredients, how to cook the pasta, and the perfect dressings. I shared tips for the best flavor and ways to store your salad. There are many variations you can try, too. You can modify it based on your taste and needs. By following these steps, you will create a satisfying and healthy dish that everyone will enjoy. Happy cooking!$

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

A refreshing and flavorful pasta salad with Mediterranean ingredients.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 45

Course Salad

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rotini pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 unit cucumber, diced
0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped
0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
0.25 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar), dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and chicken mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.

Notes

Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.

Keyword chicken, healthy, Mediterranean, pasta salad