Description
A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring grilled chicken, fresh Mediterranean ingredients, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for meal prep and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8–10 oz pasta, regular, gluten-free, or grain-free
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta or dairy-free alternative
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cool water; set aside to cool.
- Toss chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board, then cut into bite-sized pieces or strips.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.
- Combine cooked pasta, chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, avocado, and herbs in a large bowl.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Add feta if using and toss lightly again.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30–60 minutes for the best flavor. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
Chicken thighs provide juiciness; however, breasts are a leaner alternative. Opt for fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg