Introduction:
If you’re looking for a refreshing, protein-packed meal, this Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is a perfect choice! Combining tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, crisp veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing, this dish is not only delicious but also healthy. Whether you’re meal prepping, serving it as a side dish, or enjoying it as a light main course, this salad delivers bold Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy to Make: Quick prep time and simple ingredients.
✔️ Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for potlucks, picnics, and meal prep.
This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is inspired by traditional Greek flavors, offering a delicious balance of savory, tangy, and fresh in every bite. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, ingredient variations, and pro tips to make this recipe a staple in your kitchen!
If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion, this Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is your go-to. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to fit your preferences. You might also enjoy our Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip for a tasty appetizer or our Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for an easy meal.
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the recipe, here’s everything you’ll need to prepare the perfect Greek Chicken Pasta Salad.
Essential Kitchen Tools
🔪 Cutting board & knife – For chopping fresh veggies and slicing chicken.
🍲 Large mixing bowl – To combine all ingredients evenly.
🍴 Tongs or salad spoons – For tossing the salad.
🔥 Grill pan or skillet – To cook the chicken (or an outdoor grill for extra flavor!).
🫙 Mason jar or small bowl – For mixing the dressing.
Key Ingredients Overview
Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes this salad so delicious:
✅ Pasta: Short pasta like rotini or penne works best for soaking up the dressing.
✅ Chicken: Grilled or baked chicken breast, seasoned with Mediterranean spices.
✅ Fresh Vegetables: Crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers for crunch.
✅ Greek Ingredients: Feta cheese and kalamata olives add an authentic Mediterranean taste.
✅ Dressing: A zesty homemade vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano.
With these simple yet flavorful ingredients, you’ll have a vibrant, satisfying salad ready in no time!
Ingredients & Measurements
Here’s everything you need to make a delicious and fresh Greek Chicken Pasta Salad:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 2 cups rotini or penne pasta (cooked and cooled)
- 2 grilled chicken breasts (sliced or diced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- ½ cup red bell pepper (chopped)
- ½ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ⅓ cup kalamata olives (sliced)
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
For the Greek Dressing:
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins:
- Avocado slices for extra creaminess
- Chickpeas for added plant-based protein
- Sun-dried tomatoes for an intense, tangy flavor
This combination of ingredients creates a fresh, flavorful, and protein-packed pasta salad perfect for meal prep, BBQs, or light lunches.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Greek Chicken Pasta Salad in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a big pot of water, seasoned with salt, to a boil.
- Add rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Greek Dressing
- In a small mason jar or bowl, combine and whisk together:
✅ Olive oil
✅ Red wine vinegar
✅ Lemon juice
✅ Dijon mustard
✅ Minced garlic
✅ Dried oregano, salt, and black pepper - Shake or whisk until fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
✅ Cooked pasta
✅ Grilled chicken pieces
✅ Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell pepper, and kalamata olives
✅ Crumbled feta cheese - Drizzle the Greek dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.
💡 Pro Tip: This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours!
Nutrition Information
This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is a well-balanced, nutrient-dense meal, packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per one serving (based on six servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
Health Benefits of This Recipe
✔️ High in Protein – Keeps you full and supports muscle health.
✔️ Rich in Healthy Fats – Olive oil and feta cheese provide heart-healthy fats.
✔️ Loaded with Fiber – Fresh veggies and whole-grain pasta aid digestion.
This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is a fantastic light meal or side dish that supports a balanced diet while being absolutely delicious!
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
🍽️ Chilled or Room Temperature – This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature for the freshest taste.
🍽️ As a Side or Main Dish – Serve it as a light lunch, dinner, or a side dish with grilled meats.
🍽️ Pairing Suggestions:
- Serve with warm pita bread and hummus.
- Pair with a side of tzatziki sauce for extra creaminess.
- Enjoy alongside a fresh green salad for added nutrients.
How to Store Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
🧊 Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🛑 Avoid Sogginess: Keep the dressing separate if making it ahead to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid.
❄️ Not Freezer-Friendly: Due to the fresh vegetables and feta cheese, this salad doesn’t freeze well.
💡 Meal Prep Tip: Make a big batch and store it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week!
Variations & Substitutions
This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is highly versatile, and you can easily adjust it to fit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some creative ways to make it your own:
Vegetarian Version
- Tofu or Tempeh: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein option.
- Chickpeas: Add canned chickpeas for a hearty, protein-rich alternative.
Gluten-Free Version
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap out regular pasta with gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version of this salad.
- Quinoa: For a more grain-based twist, use quinoa instead of pasta for added protein and fiber.
Dressing Variations
- Yogurt-Based Dressing: If you prefer a creamier dressing, mix Greek yogurt with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for a tangy twist.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Swap the red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar for a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
Add-Ins & Toppings
- Avocado: Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Olives: Try green olives or sun-dried tomatoes for more Mediterranean flavor.
- Nuts and Seeds: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for a crunch.
This salad is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients to match your dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the five mistakes to avoid in pasta salad?
When preparing pasta salad, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the pasta – Overcooked pasta can become mushy. Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture.
- Not chilling the salad – Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Using too much dressing – Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Begin with a small amount and adjust by adding more as necessary.
- Not seasoning properly – Pasta salad can lack flavor without adequate seasoning. Be sure to season the pasta and dressing well with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Not using fresh ingredients – Fresh, crisp vegetables make a big difference in texture and flavor. Avoid using wilted or old veggies.
2. What is the difference between a Greek and Mediterranean salad?
While both salads share many common ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives, the Greek salad typically features feta cheese and red onions, while the Mediterranean salad may include additional ingredients such as artichokes, roasted peppers, and various cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta. The Greek salad is also often served without greens, focusing on the vegetables and cheese.
3. What ingredients are in a Greek salad?
A traditional Greek salad includes:
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Red onions
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil, oregano, and red wine vinegar for the dressing
4. How do you keep Greek salad from getting soggy?
To prevent Greek salad from getting soggy:
- Serve immediately or chill the salad before serving.
- Avoid over-dressing – add the dressing just before serving.
- Store dressing separately if making it ahead of time.
- Use firmer vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers that don’t release too much water.
Conclusion
This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of fresh, vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for a BBQ, or a meal prep solution, this salad is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
With the flexibility to adapt to your tastes and dietary preferences, you can customize it with your favorite veggies, proteins, or dressings. It’s a recipe that’s not only delicious but also packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats for a balanced meal.
Try it out today and enjoy the refreshing taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!