Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Add minced garlic and chopped basil. Drizzle with remaining olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Optionally, add lemon juice for extra zest.
- Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional basil or lemon if desired. Enjoy this fresh, wholesome Mediterranean Chicken Pasta salad!
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Use gluten-free pasta if necessary to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more flavor and nutrition.
- For a vegan version, replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Stovetop, Cold prep
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Healthy, Dairy-Free option (without feta), Gluten-Free (with gluten-free pasta)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg