Tangy Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe: Fresh & Zesty Delight

Crisp Mediterranean flavors dance through this delightful greek chicken pasta salad, promising a refreshing meal packed with zesty ingredients.

Tender grilled chicken mingles with colorful vegetables, creating a vibrant plate that feels like a sunshine-filled journey.

Herbs and feta cheese add unexpected depths of taste to every delectable bite.

Each ingredient tells a story of simple, wholesome cooking that connects you directly to classic Greek traditions.

Tangy olives and bright lemon dressing bring unexpected complexity to this easy-to-assemble dish.

Summer gatherings deserve something special, and this recipe checks all the delicious boxes.

You’ll want seconds—trust me on this one.

Tips For A Better Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

• Marinate Like a Pro: Let chicken soak in the flavorful mixture for maximum taste absorption, with longer marinating times delivering more intense Greek-inspired flavors.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking and keep noodles at the ideal al dente consistency for a refreshing salad.
• Customize Your Protein: Swap grilled chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or roasted chickpeas for a versatile dish that caters to different dietary preferences.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Prepare components separately and store in the refrigerator, combining just before serving to maintain crisp vegetable textures and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Allow the dressed salad to rest for 30 minutes before serving, enabling herbs and dressing to fully infuse the pasta and chicken with delicious Mediterranean-style notes.

Storage Guide For Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

• Refrigerate the Greek chicken pasta salad in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
• Keep the salad sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delicious flavors.
• Store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and vegetables remain crisp and appetizing.
• For best taste, give the salad a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and revive its vibrant ingredients.
• Pro tip: Store the dressing separately if you plan to keep the salad for more than a day to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
• Always use clean utensils when serving to extend the salad's shelf life and prevent bacterial growth.
• If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, drizzle a little extra olive oil and lemon juice to refresh the flavors before enjoying your leftovers.

What Tastes Great With Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

• Sip a Crisp White Wine: Elevate your Greek chicken pasta salad with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, zesty wines perfectly complement the tangy dressing and fresh Mediterranean flavors.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic baguette or Greek-style pita to soak up the delicious dressing. The bread's hearty texture adds a satisfying crunch that balances the salad's soft pasta and tender chicken.
• Add a Refreshing Side Drink: Cool down with a glass of sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber. This light, hydrating beverage cuts through the salad's richness and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Serve with Greek Tzatziki: Whip up a quick tzatziki sauce as a side dip. Its creamy, garlicky yogurt base provides a tangy contrast to the salad's bold Mediterranean flavors, creating a delightful taste experience.

Ways To Make Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe Your Own

• Mediterranean Quinoa Delight: Swap pasta with protein-packed quinoa, add roasted red peppers, and include grilled zucchini for extra vegetable goodness.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Replace chicken marinade with chili powder and cumin, use pepper jack cheese instead of feta, and mix in black beans and corn for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Seafood Edition: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or seared salmon, enhance dressing with fresh dill, and sprinkle capers for a coastal flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Greek Garden Bowl: Swap chicken with roasted chickpeas, add artichoke hearts, double the fresh herbs, and incorporate grilled eggplant for a hearty plant-based version.

FAQs For Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

• Why marinate the chicken before cooking?

Marinating helps the chicken absorb delicious Mediterranean flavors and keeps the meat tender and juicy. The combination of olive oil, lemon, and herbs creates a more flavorful and moist chicken.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests a classic pasta shape, you can easily swap in rotini, penne, or farfalle. Just ensure the pasta can hold the dressing and mix well with other ingredients.

• Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes! This Greek chicken pasta salad is perfect for meal prep. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and the flavors actually improve as they blend together. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and add extra protein like chickpeas or grilled tofu. You can also increase the amount of feta cheese to boost the protein content and maintain the Mediterranean flavor profile.

Why Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe Is A Must

• Effortless Mediterranean Escape: Whip up this Greek chicken pasta salad for a quick culinary journey that transports you straight to the sunny Mediterranean coastline without complicated cooking techniques.
• Speed Meets Flavor: Prepare this delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something tasty yet quick, making meal planning a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Adaptable for picnics, potlucks, or casual family dinners, this recipe satisfies both adults and kids with its vibrant mix of fresh ingredients and zesty flavors.
• Healthy One-Bowl Wonder: Packed with lean protein from chicken, nutritious vegetables, and heart-healthy olive oil, this dish offers a balanced meal that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.

What You’ll Need For Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the salad, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy and creamy cheese that provides a classic Greek flavor profile.

• Pasta: Hearty foundation of the salad, select a short shape like rotini or penne for easy mixing.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion: Crisp and colorful vegetables that add freshness and texture to the salad, choose ripe and firm produce.

• Kalamata Olives: Rich and briny olives that bring authentic Greek taste, select pitted olives for convenience.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Red Wine Vinegar: Foundational liquid ingredients that create a zesty and bright flavor base.
• Oregano, Garlic Powder, Garlic, Dijon Mustard: Aromatic seasonings that enhance overall taste profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and elevating flavors.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds color and a fresh finish to the salad.

Steps To Make Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Generously coat the chicken with the marinade and let it soak up the goodness for 15-30 minutes (or even overnight for extra flavor). Fire up the grill or heat a skillet to medium-high. Cook the chicken until it reaches a perfect golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F for safe and juicy meat. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

Step 3: Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Dried oregano
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk everything together until the dressing becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Craft the Mediterranean Masterpiece

• Cooked pasta
• Juicy cherry tomatoes
• Crisp cucumber
• Tangy red onion
• Briny kalamata olives
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh chopped parsley

Add the grilled chicken to the mix. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets coated in the delicious dressing.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

You can serve this Greek-inspired pasta salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and intensify. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or summer gathering!

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance in this Greek Chicken Pasta Salad, blending tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta. Herb-infused dressing and zesty ingredients create a refreshing meal that brings Greek island charm right to your plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings for Chicken:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon (3 grams) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1 gram) black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) rotini or penne pasta
• 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (150 grams) cucumber, diced
• ½ cup (75 grams) red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (60 grams) kalamata olives, halved
• ½ cup (75 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 15-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.
2. Heat a grill or skillet to medium-high and cook the marinated chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F, typically 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring a golden, slightly charred exterior.
3. Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces.
4. Prepare pasta in boiling water according to package directions, cooking until perfectly al dente with a slight resistance when bitten.
5. Immediately drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent clumping, then set aside to cool.
6. Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
7. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sharp red onion, briny kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh chopped parsley.
8. Add the prepared chicken to the vegetable and pasta mixture, then drizzle the tangy dressing over the top.
9. Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated, ensuring each component is kissed by the dressing.
10. Serve immediately for a fresh, vibrant meal, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, allowing herbs and acids to tenderize and enhance meat’s taste.
• Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente texture.
• Customize the salad by adding roasted bell peppers or swapping feta with dairy-free alternatives for vegan options.
• Prepare salad ahead of time and store separately to keep ingredients crisp, mixing just before serving to maintain freshness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg