Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
A fresh and flavorful combination of rotini pasta, tender chicken, and a colorful mix of vegetables, drizzled with a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 2 cups rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta) You can use any pasta shape you like.
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced Use leftover rotisserie chicken for easy prep.
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Ripe cherry tomatoes work best.
- 1 cucumber, diced English cucumbers are recommended.
- 1 bell pepper, diced Any color bell pepper can be used.
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced Pitted olives are easier to work with.
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled You can use more or less to taste.
- ½ red onion, finely chopped Sweet red onions can help reduce sharpness.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped Fresh herbs enhance the flavor.
Dressing
- ¾ cup olive oil Use high-quality olive oil for best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) Adjust to your taste preference.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Oregano adds a traditional Mediterranean flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season accordingly for your taste.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
Preparing Vegetables
- While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop your vegetables: cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
Combining Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and diced chicken with the cooled pasta, prepared veggies, olives, feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
Making the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Final Mixing
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Chilling
- For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For perfect pasta, ensure it is cooked al dente. Customize the veggies based on your preferences. Leftovers stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold without reheating for best results.