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Colorful plate of Zesty Mediterranean Chicken Pasta with vibrant vegetables and herbs garnished with lemon slices

Zesty Mediterranean Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Summer Refreshment!

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Discover how to make a vibrant and healthy Mediterranean chicken pasta, perfect for summer. Fresh ingredients combine with a zesty lemon herb dressing to create a refreshing pasta salad that is both satisfying and great for warm-weather gatherings. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, offering a nutritious and flavorful meal that everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • For the dressing:
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through. Rest briefly, then slice into strips.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Adjust to taste.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for optimal flavor.
  • Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for better flavor melding.
  • Can be made a day ahead; store in an airtight container.
  • Feel free to add sliced bell peppers or artichoke hearts for more flavor and texture.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Salad, Main Course
  • Method: Grilling, Boiling, Tossing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free pasta), Healthy

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 380 Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg