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- 2 cups rotini pasta - 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 3 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper, to taste For this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad, we use fresh and colorful ingredients. Each item adds its unique taste and texture. The rotini pasta serves as a perfect base. It holds the dressing and pairs well with other flavors. The chicken adds protein and makes the dish filling. I love using cooked chicken breast, as it's lean and tender. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness. They contrast nicely with the crunchy cucumber. Kalamata olives give a salty kick, while feta adds creaminess. Red onion provides a sharp bite, and parsley adds freshness. The olive oil and lemon juice dressing ties it all together. Dried oregano adds an earthy note. Don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper to your taste. A serving of this salad contains around 350 calories. It has about 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. This makes it a balanced meal option. If you need to make changes, here are some ideas: - Use gluten-free rotini for a gluten-free option. - Swap cooked chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian salad. - Try goat cheese instead of feta for a different flavor. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while meeting your dietary needs. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. To cook the rotini pasta, start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water bubbles, add the rotini pasta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking. Set it aside to cool before mixing. Next, prepare the salad ingredients. Dice the cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber into small cubes. Slice the Kalamata olives and crumble the feta cheese. Finely chop the red onion and the fresh parsley. Place all these ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Gently fold them together to mix well. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Add the dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Mix until it’s smooth and combined. This dressing will add a bright flavor to your salad. It’s time to combine everything. Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl with chicken and vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the top. Gently toss the pasta, chicken, and veggies until everything is coated nicely. Before serving, taste the salad. Adjust the seasoning if needed. For the best flavor, chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets all the flavors blend. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To make your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad shine, start with seasoning. The salt and pepper help bring out the flavors. If you want more zing, add a pinch of garlic powder or crushed red pepper. You can also play with the lemon juice. More juice can brighten the dish, while less can tone it down. Taste as you go to get it just right. Chilling the salad is key. Once mixed, let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld and become more vibrant. The cold also makes it refreshing, perfect for warm days. If you can, chill it longer for even better taste. Your patience will pay off! For serving, a big bowl works best. It shows off the colorful ingredients. Garnish with extra parsley and some feta cheese on top. You can drizzle a little olive oil to add shine. This makes the salad look fresh and inviting. Everyone will want to dig in! {{image_4}} You can create a fun twist on Mediterranean chicken pasta salad by adding roasted vegetables. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. Roasting them brings out their sweet flavors. Toss them in the salad for a warm touch. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or mint. These herbs elevate the dish and add freshness. Experimenting with different herbs opens up new flavor profiles. For a low-carb option, swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. These substitutes keep the dish light but still tasty. If you want a vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu. This makes the dish hearty while keeping it plant-based. Seasonal ingredients make your salad brighter and more flavorful. In summer, use ripe tomatoes and fresh corn. In fall, consider roasted butternut squash or Brussels sprouts. These ingredients add unique tastes and textures. Using seasonal proteins like grilled shrimp or salmon can also boost nutrition. This approach allows you to enjoy the best flavors each season offers. To keep your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in the flavors and keeps it cool. Place the salad in the fridge as soon as you finish eating. If you leave it out, it can spoil quickly. Remember to keep the salad away from strong-smelling foods in the fridge. This way, it will not absorb any unwanted odors. This salad stays tasty for about three to four days when stored properly. After that, the fresh veggies may start to lose their crunch. Always check for signs of spoilage, like a bad smell or slimy texture. If you see these signs, it’s best to toss it out. Eating old salad can make you sick, so be cautious. While I don’t recommend freezing this salad, you can try it if you need to. To freeze, put the salad in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it may expand. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, the salad might not have the same texture, but it will still taste good. Always mix it well after thawing for the best flavor. Yes, you can make this salad ahead. To prep in advance, cook the pasta and let it cool. Combine the chicken and veggies in a large bowl. Store the dressing in a separate container. When ready to serve, mix everything together. This way, the salad stays fresh and tasty! You can use other proteins. Try grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Tofu is also a great choice and absorbs flavors well. These alternatives bring new tastes while keeping the dish healthy. This salad lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container for the best freshness. Look for signs of spoilage, like bad smells or slimy textures. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it. This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is both simple and tasty. It combines rotini pasta, chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing. You learned tips for making the salad flavorful and how to store leftovers for later. Whether you want to customize the recipe or try new ingredients, the options are endless. This dish is perfect for warm days or gatherings. Enjoy this light and healthy meal that brings fresh flavors to your table!

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Discover the perfect Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad recipe that brings flavor and freshness to your table! This vibrant dish combines rotini pasta, juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing for a delightful meal. Ideal for any gathering, it’s both easy to make and delicious. Don't miss out on transforming your mealtime! Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rotini pasta

1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it with cold water to halt the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. Gently fold the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution.

      In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This dressing will infuse the salad with vibrant flavor.

        Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl with the chicken and vegetables. Drizzle the prepared dressing over everything and gently toss the ingredients together until they are thoroughly coated with the dressing.

          Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

            Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 6-8

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, beautiful bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of additional parsley and a few crumbles of feta cheese on top. For a finishing touch, drizzle a bit of extra olive oil over the salad to enhance its visual appeal and add a touch of richness.