Craving a mouthwatering meal that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly healthy? Get ready to transform your lunch game with this Healthy Greek Inspired Chicken Pasta Salad that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean! Packed with vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and a protein punch, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dish for quick, nutritious, and absolutely irresistible eating. Whether you're meal prepping, looking for a light dinner, or wanting to impress your friends with a restaurant-quality salad, this Greek-inspired creation is guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the whole wheat pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables and other ingredients. Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water, then slice them in half. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, dice the cucumber into small pieces and add it to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes. Then, take the red onion, peel it, and dice it finely before adding it to the mixing bowl as well.
- Slice the Kalamata olives in half and add them to the mixing bowl. Crumble the feta cheese and add it to the mixture. This will create a colorful and flavorful base for your pasta salad.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow the pasta to drain well.
- In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with the vegetables and olives. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined.
- Finally, add the diced cooked chicken to the pasta salad and toss gently to incorporate. Ensure that the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Once everything is combined, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a splash more of red wine vinegar for extra flavor.
- Serve the Healthy Greek Inspired Chicken Pasta Salad immediately, or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy your refreshing and nutritious meal!
Tips
- • For the most flavorful pasta, always salt your boiling water generously and cook the pasta just until al dente to maintain the perfect texture. • Use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even faster and more convenient. • Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. • For maximum flavor, let the salad sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to fully incorporate with the ingredients. • Use fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint as an optional garnish to add an extra layer of freshness. • If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute some of the olive oil with fresh lemon juice. • For a meal prep friendly version, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the salad's crisp texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
