Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh, colorful dish made with tender chicken, pasta, and crisp vegetables. It’s light yet filling, making it perfect for lunches, potlucks, or easy dinners. Everything comes together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal cooking.

Why You’ll Love It

This salad is full of bright flavors and satisfying textures. Juicy chicken, hearty pasta, and crunchy vegetables are tossed in a simple dressing that keeps everything fresh and balanced. It’s easy to prepare ahead and tastes even better after chilling.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

Pasta — short shapes like penne or rotini hold the dressing well
Cooked chicken breast — adds protein and makes the salad filling
Cherry tomatoes — provide sweetness and juiciness
Cucumber — adds crunch and freshness
Olives — give a savory, briny flavor
Feta cheese — adds a tangy, creamy contrast
Olive oil — forms the base of the dressing
Lemon juice — brightens and balances the flavors
Garlic — adds depth to the dressing
Salt and black pepper — season everything evenly

Tools for This Recipe

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Spatula
Knife
Cutting board
Large pot
Colander

How to Make It (Step-by-Step Overview)

Step Block 1 — Prep & Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
Cook pasta until just tender
Drain and rinse with cold water
Set aside to cool completely

Step Block 2 — Chicken & Vegetables

Slice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces
Halve cherry tomatoes
Dice cucumber
Slice or chop olives

Step Block 3 — Dressing & Assembly

Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper
Add pasta, chicken, and vegetables to a large bowl
Pour dressing over the salad
Toss gently until everything is well coated
Fold in feta cheese

Step Block 4 — Chill & Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
Toss again before serving
Adjust seasoning if needed

Helpful Tips

Let the pasta cool fully before mixing to avoid melting the cheese
Add feta at the end to keep it from breaking down
Taste after chilling and adjust seasoning if needed

Substitutions & Variations

Use grilled or roasted chicken for extra flavor
Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts
Swap feta with a dairy-free alternative if needed
Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta

What to Serve With It

Serve with fresh fruit, flatbread, or a simple green salad. It pairs well with iced tea or sparkling water and works for picnics, lunches, or casual dinners.

Leftovers & Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
Keeps well for up to 3 days
Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s great when prepared a few hours in advance.

What pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes that hold dressing work best.

Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover or rotisserie chicken works well.

Does it need to be chilled?
Chilling helps the flavors blend but it can be served immediately.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is an easy, flavorful dish that works for many occasions. With fresh ingredients and a simple dressing, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Full Recipe