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Mediterranean pasta salad with chicken

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad


  • Author: Madilyn
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

This protein-packed Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad combines chickpea pasta, tender shredded chicken, colorful vegetables, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette for a refreshing, make-ahead meal perfect for healthy lunches or potlucks.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta Salad:

8 oz Chickpea Rotini Noodles (or pasta of choice)

12 oz Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

½ Cup Pitted Olives (mix of kalamata and green)

1 Cup Cucumber, diced

1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved

¼ Cup Red Onion, diced

1 Cup Artichoke Hearts, drained and chopped

½ Cup Feta Cheese (or crumbled goat cheese)

¼ Cup Fresh Parsley, finely diced

Juice from ½1 Lemon

1 Handful of Arugula or Spinach (optional)

For the Dressing:

¼ Cup + 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar

1 tsp Dijon Mustard

1 tsp Raw Honey

½ tsp Dried Oregano

½ tsp Dried Basil

¼ tsp Garlic Powder

¼ tsp EACH of Sea Salt and Black Pepper


Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: Season chicken with sea salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. For pressure cooker: add 1 cup of water/broth and cook on high for 10-12 minutes. For baking: add chicken to a pan with a splash of broth and bake at 375°F until fully cooked (20-30 minutes). Once done, shred with a fork.
  2. Prepare the pasta: Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water until completely cooled.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and whisk until well emulsified.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, shredded chicken, and all remaining ingredients. Pour dressing over top and toss gently until everything is well coated.
  5. Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to develop.
  6. Serve: Enjoy cold or at room temperature as a complete meal or side dish.

Notes

  • Don’t skimp on marination time: Allow at least one hour in the refrigerator for the flavors to fully develop and meld together. If you have time, 3-4 hours is even better!
  • Storage tip: This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad stays fresh in individual airtight containers for up to 5 days, making it perfect for weekly meal prep. The flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Method: No-Cook, Pressure-Cooked or Baked
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad, healthy pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad