Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish combining whole wheat penne, tender pan-seared chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups whole wheat penne pasta
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables & Extras
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the boneless chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat, then cook the seasoned chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked whole wheat penne pasta, sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey (if using) until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and chicken mixture. Gently toss all ingredients to ensure everything is well-coated with the dressing.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the salad and add additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired to suit your preference.
- Garnish: Optionally garnish with extra chopped parsley or crumbled feta cheese for added color and flavor before serving.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled but can be enjoyed immediately after preparation.
- Using whole wheat pasta adds fiber and a nutty flavor to enhance the dish.
- Chicken can be replaced with grilled tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust honey quantity or omit entirely for a less sweet dressing.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days but pasta may absorb the dressing over time.
