Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

There’s something timeless and comforting about Mediterranean cuisine—the way it brings people together around a table filled with colorful, fresh ingredients, bursting with flavor and warmth. Whenever I make this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad, it feels like a mini-vacation to a sunny seaside town, where life moves a little slower, and meals are savored in good company.

I first encountered this dish on a family picnic by the lake one early summer afternoon. The sun was shining, the kids were running barefoot in the grass, and we laid out a spread of homemade dishes. But it was the Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad that disappeared first. Its vibrant mix of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and tender chicken coated in a zesty lemon and herb dressing had everyone coming back for seconds.

This dish has since become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want something refreshing yet filling. It’s perfect for warm days, meal prepping for busy weeks, or as a side for family gatherings. What I love most is how it captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors—simple, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad. It’s vibrant, hearty, and versatile, making it an ideal dish for picnics, potlucks, or a light dinner. The tender chicken adds satisfying protein, while the crunchy cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny olives give every bite a fresh burst of flavor. The tangy lemon and herb dressing ties it all together, adding that unmistakable Mediterranean flair.

Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, travels well, and gets even better as the flavors meld together in the fridge. Whether you serve it chilled or at room temperature, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the salad:

• 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, quartered
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the dressing:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (instead of red wine vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. I always recommend tasting the pasta a minute before the suggested time to make sure it has that perfect bite. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

Step 2: Whisk the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I like using a mason jar so I can shake it all together—super easy and mess-free! Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; sometimes I add an extra squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Step 3: Combine the ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated. You’ll notice the colors coming alive as the dressing clings to each ingredient.

Step 4: Chill and serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a final touch. You can serve it right away, but I find it tastes even better after chilling for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Every bite of this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad delivers a balance of creamy, tangy, salty, and fresh flavors—perfect alongside grilled meats or as a stand-alone lunch.

Helpful Tips

• If you have time, marinate the chicken in a bit of the dressing for extra flavor before adding it to the salad.
• To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and double the artichoke hearts or add chickpeas.
• Swap out pasta shapes for fun: try fusilli, farfalle, or even orzo.
• For an extra crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds just before serving.

Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiled, mixed
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Halal

Notes

• This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Stir well before serving leftovers to redistribute the dressing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve if you want to avoid sogginess.

Can I use grilled chicken instead of plain cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken adds a wonderful smoky depth to the salad.

Can I freeze Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, as the fresh veggies and pasta can become mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Storage Instructions

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If prepping ahead, keep the dressing in a separate container and toss just before serving.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad, you’ll definitely enjoy these other Mediterranean-inspired dishes:

• Creamy Chicken Orzo
• Garlic Tomato Chicken with Mozzarella
• Italian Chopped Salad

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is more than just a meal—it’s an invitation to slow down and enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, no matter where you are. Whether you’re making it for a sunny picnic, a weeknight dinner, or meal prep, it’s a reliable, delicious dish that never disappoints.

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