– 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
– 1 pound grilled chicken breast, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparing the Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a breeze. Just follow these straightforward steps:
1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Prepare Chicken: Grill or pan-sear chicken breasts until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
3. Chop Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the olives, and chop the red onion.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and feta cheese.
5. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything until evenly coated.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
8. Chill (optional): For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
9. Serve: Serve your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad in bowls or on a platter. Garnish with extra feta if desired.