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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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).
- Prepare Pasta: Cook in boiling water until al dente, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
- Create Dressing: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
- 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.
- 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