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A vibrant bowl of Zesty Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad featuring colorful vegetables, grilled chicken slices, and a tangy dressing on a summer picnic table.

Zesty Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad: A Summer Escape

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Enjoy a vibrant and healthy Zesty Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad, perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners. This flavorful salad combines tender shredded chicken, al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dressing for a nutritious and delicious meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) of pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Set aside.
  2. If not pre-cooked, shred the cooked chicken and let it cool.
  3. Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives; combine in a large bowl.
  4. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to prepare the dressing.
  5. Add cooked pasta, shredded chicken, feta cheese, and herbs to the vegetables. Pour dressing over and toss gently.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation and enhanced flavor.
  • Keep the dressing separate if storing leftovers to maintain freshness.
  • This salad can be customized with additional ingredients like roasted vegetables or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing, Boiling, Chilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Healthy, Gluten-Free Option

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg