Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Twist

Summers call for refreshing meals that burst with Mediterranean flavors, and this vibrant greek chicken pasta salad delivers pure culinary magic.

Mediterranean cuisine never disappoints with its bold, zesty ingredients.

Fresh herbs and tangy feta cheese dance across perfectly cooked pasta and tender chicken pieces.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of crisp vegetables and succulent protein.

The combination creates a light yet satisfying meal that works beautifully for lunch or dinner.

Colorful, nutritious, and packed with authentic Greek-inspired tastes, this salad will become your new warm-weather favorite.

Prepare to be transported to a sunny Greek island with every delicious bite.

Store Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe Properly

• Advance Prep Power: Chop vegetables and cook chicken up to 2 days before assembling the salad to save time during busy weekdays.
• Fridge-Fresh Strategy: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping dressing separate to prevent soggy pasta and vegetables.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Cooked chicken can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding to the pasta salad.
• Smart Leftover Hack: Refresh day-old salad with a splash of fresh dressing and a sprinkle of herbs to revive flavors and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 475 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Use In Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs marinade flavors wonderfully, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy Mediterranean cheese that adds creamy richness and salty punch to the salad.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber: Bright, crisp vegetables that provide juicy texture and refreshing coolness.
• Red Onion: Sharp, zesty element that adds a vibrant bite and beautiful color contrast.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a clean, herbaceous note and gorgeous green garnish.

• Pasta: Hearty base that catches dressing and absorbs Mediterranean flavors perfectly, choose rotini or penne for best texture.
• Kalamata Olives: Intense, briny olives that deliver authentic Greek flavor profile and delightful depth.
• Olive Oil: Essential Mediterranean ingredient that adds smooth, rich undertone to both marinade and dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic component that tenderizes chicken and lifts overall dish brightness.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Tangy liquid that balances and deepens dressing complexity.
• Dijon Mustard: Smooth emulsifier that helps bind dressing and adds subtle spicy undertone.
• Dried Oregano: Classic Greek herb that provides authentic Mediterranean seasoning.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses deep, robust flavor throughout dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances and balances all other ingredients.

Kitchen Tools For Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and tossing the salad.
• Cutting board: Perfect for slicing chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
• Sharp knife: Needed to dice chicken and chop ingredients precisely.
• Grill or skillet: Required for cooking chicken to golden perfection.
• Measuring spoons: Helps measure marinade and dressing ingredients accurately.
• Whisk: Great for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Small jar or bowl: Used for mixing and storing the dressing.
• Colander: Helpful for draining and rinsing pasta.
• Tongs: Convenient for turning chicken while grilling or cooking.
• Wooden spoon or salad tongs: Perfect for tossing salad ingredients together.

Quick Steps For Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

• Marinate the Chicken

Create a zesty flavor bath for chicken using olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and seasonings. Let the chicken soak up delicious Mediterranean flavors for 15-30 minutes.

• Fire Up the Grill

Cook chicken over medium-high heat until golden and perfectly cooked through. Each side needs about 5-6 minutes. Check internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

• Prepare Pasta Perfection

Boil pasta until tender yet firm. Quick-cool by rinsing with cold water to stop cooking process and maintain ideal texture.

• Whip Up Tangy Dressing

Mix olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, and herbs in a container. Shake or whisk until ingredients blend into a smooth, vibrant dressing.

• Create Your Mediterranean Masterpiece

Combine cooled pasta, grilled chicken, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, zesty red onion, briny olives, creamy feta, and fresh parsley. Drizzle dressing and toss everything together until beautifully coated.

• Serve and Savor

Enjoy immediately or let flavors mingle in the refrigerator for maximum taste explosion. This Greek-inspired dish delivers a vacation on a plate!

Helpful Tweaks For Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and dressing a day ahead to save time and enhance flavor profiles.
• Protein Power Switch: Replace chicken with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or shrimp for diverse dietary needs and preferences.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches and picnics.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free quinoa or brown rice pasta to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Option: Trade pasta for cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious Mediterranean taste.

Serve Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe Fresh And Chilled

• Mediterranean Party Platter: Arrange the salad on a large wooden board with extra feta, olives, and fresh herbs scattered around for a stunning presentation that screams Greek hospitality.
• Picnic Perfect Portion: Pack individual servings in mason jars with dressing at the bottom, creating a portable meal that's ideal for outdoor lunches or beach days.
• Fresh Side Companion: Serve alongside grilled fish or lamb, letting the zesty pasta salad complement richer main courses with its bright Mediterranean flavors.
• Meal Prep Champion: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinner prep during busy weekdays.

Vibrant Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance through this Greek chicken pasta salad, blending tender grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta cheese. Fresh herbs and zesty dressing elevate the classic combination, creating a refreshing meal you can enjoy warm or chilled.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tsp (5 g) dried oregano
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) garlic powder
• ½ tsp (3 g) salt
• ¼ tsp (1 g) black pepper
• 8 oz (226 g) rotini or penne pasta
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (150 g) cucumber, diced
• ½ cup (75 g) red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (60 g) kalamata olives, halved
• ½ cup (75 g) feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tsp (5 g) Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp (5 g) dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt (missing amount from original list)

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Infuse chicken with a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 15-30 minutes, allowing deep flavor penetration.
2. Cook Chicken: Grill or skillet-sear at medium-high heat until internal temperature reaches 165F, creating a golden, slightly charred exterior (5-6 minutes per side).
3. Prepare Pasta: Cook in boiling water until al dente, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
4. Create Dressing: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
5. Assemble Salad: Combine cooled pasta, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley in a large mixing bowl.
6. Finish and Serve: Drizzle dressing over the salad, gently toss to coat evenly, and serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to intensify flavors.

Notes

• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let chicken marinate for the full 30 minutes to allow herbs and citrus to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing overall taste profile.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process, preventing mushy texture and ensuring a delightful al dente bite.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with grilled tofu, shrimp, or chickpeas for vegetarian or alternative protein variations that maintain the Mediterranean essence.
• Enhance Dressing Depth: Prepare dressing at least 15 minutes before serving to allow herbs and garlic to release their full aromatic potential, creating a more complex flavor experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg