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- 2 cups rotini pasta - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Gather these ingredients before starting. The rotini pasta gives a nice twist. You can use any cooked chicken. Shredded or diced works great. Fresh veggies add crunch and color. Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor, while cucumbers cool the dish. Red onion adds a nice bite. Kalamata olives bring a salty kick. Feta cheese adds creaminess. Fresh parsley brightens the salad. For the dressing, the extra virgin olive oil is key for richness. Red wine vinegar gives a tangy note. Dried oregano enhances the Mediterranean vibe. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. {{ingredient_image_2}} Importance of Al Dente Cooking the pasta al dente means it stays firm. This gives the salad a great texture. When you bite into it, you want a bit of a chew. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy. So, keep an eye on your timer! Draining and Cooling Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Rinse it under cold water. This stops it from cooking more. Cooling the pasta helps keep the salad light and fresh. Mixing the Ingredients In a large bowl, add your cooled pasta. Next, toss in the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and parsley. Stir gently to mix. You want to keep the ingredients whole and pretty. Handling Delicate Ingredients When you mix, be kind to soft items like feta. Break them up gently. This keeps the salad looking nice and helps the flavors shine. Combining Oil and Vinegar In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and vinegar. You can use red wine vinegar or balsamic. This is your salad's flavor booster. Seasoning Tips Add dried oregano and salt and pepper to taste. These simple spices enhance the taste. Make sure to whisk well so everything blends. Tossing the Salad Pour the dressing over the salad mix. Toss everything together carefully. You want each piece to be coated in that tasty dressing. Chilling for Flavor Development Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors come together. When you serve it, the taste will be even better! How to Avoid Mushy Pasta To get perfect pasta, cook it al dente. Boil salted water and add the rotini. Follow the package time closely. Once done, drain it and rinse under cold water. This stops cooking and keeps it firm. Best Types of Pasta for Salad Rotini is great for salads. Its spiral shape holds the dressing well. You can also use penne or farfalle. These shapes add fun and texture to your dish. Options for Chicken If you want to switch the chicken, use grilled shrimp or chickpeas. These add protein and flavor. You can also try turkey or tofu for a tasty twist. Variations for Vegetables Feel free to change the veggies. Add bell peppers for sweetness or spinach for greens. Artichokes and zucchini also work well. Mix and match to keep it fresh! Alternative Dressings While the olive oil and vinegar mix is tasty, try Greek yogurt or tahini. These add creaminess. You can also use lemon juice for a zesty kick. Adding Extra Flavor For more flavor, add garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can brighten up the salad. Experimenting makes it your own! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the rotini pasta is cooked al dente, as it will absorb the dressing and flavors while maintaining a nice texture in the salad. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the vegetables and herbs, to enhance the overall flavor and nutrition of your salad. Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together, creating a more delicious dish. Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with different vinegars or add spices like garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a personalized touch. {{image_4}} Substituting Chicken To make this salad vegetarian, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Both add protein and flavor. You can also use grilled vegetables for extra taste. Additional Protein Options If you want more protein, try adding beans, lentils, or nuts. These options keep the dish hearty and satisfying. Just remember to balance the flavors. Choosing Gluten-Free Pasta Select gluten-free pasta, like rice or corn pasta. Cook it just like regular pasta. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. Overall Flavor Retention Gluten-free pasta still tastes great. The flavors from the dressing and veggies shine through. You won’t miss the gluten in this tasty salad. Enhancing with Pesto Pesto adds a rich and fresh flavor to your salad. Just mix some in with the dressing. It brings the whole dish together with its vibrant taste. Flavor Pairing Tips Pair pesto with sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes for a burst of flavor. These ingredients work well with chicken and pasta. They make your salad even more delicious and fun to eat. For storing leftovers, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. They keep the salad fresh and prevent odors. Make sure the salad is cool before sealing it. In the refrigerator, your Mediterranean chicken pasta salad lasts about 3 to 4 days. Check for signs of spoilage like changes in texture or smell. Always give it a quick look before eating. You can freeze this pasta salad, but it’s not the best option. Freezing can change the texture of the pasta and veggies. If you decide to freeze it, follow these steps: 1. Divide the salad into portions. 2. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. 3. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the pasta mushy. Once thawed, give it a good stir and check the taste. You might need to add extra dressing or seasoning. Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad stays fresh for about three to five days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it safe. The flavors get better as it sits, but it can lose crunch over time. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you like. Bell peppers, spinach, or artichokes work well. Just remember to chop them small to mix well with the pasta. Adding more veggies makes the salad even more colorful and nutritious. Serve the salad chilled for the best taste. A large bowl works great for gatherings. You can also plate individual portions. Garnish with extra parsley or feta cheese for a nice touch. This salad looks as good as it tastes! This blog post guides you through making a tasty Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad. We covered important ingredients, clear steps, and helpful tips to ensure your salad shines. You learned how to cook pasta perfectly, mix ingredients, and create a delicious dressing. Customizing flavors and storing leftovers were also discussed. Remember, this salad is versatile. Feel free to swap ingredients and adjust flavors. Enjoy every bite of your fresh creation!

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

A refreshing and colorful pasta salad featuring rotini, chicken, and Mediterranean ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 unit cucumber, diced
  • 0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to quickly cool it down.
  • Prepare the Salad Base: In a spacious mixing bowl, add the cooled rotini pasta along with the cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and the freshly chopped parsley. Stir gently to mix the ingredients without breaking them apart.
  • Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar), dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the pasta and chicken mixture. Carefully toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated in the dressing.
  • Chill and Allow Flavors to Develop: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Final Touches: Just before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Notes

Serve chilled for best flavor. Garnish with extra parsley or feta.
Keyword chicken, healthy, Mediterranean, pasta salad