Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece! This Smoked Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that combines the smoky richness of tender chicken with the vibrant, fresh ingredients of traditional Greek cuisine. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a light summer dinner, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups smoked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini 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 smoked chicken. If you haven't done so already, shred the smoked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, shredded smoked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix well.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Let the pasta salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate it for a short while if you prefer it chilled.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the Smoked Greek Chicken Pasta Salad in bowls, garnishing with additional feta cheese or olives if desired.
Tips
- Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. This also helps the pasta cool down quickly for the salad.
- For the best flavor, use high-quality smoked chicken. If you can't find pre-smoked chicken, you can smoke your own or use a rotisserie chicken with a smoky seasoning.
- Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld together and makes the dish even more delicious.
- For extra freshness, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like oregano or parsley just before serving.
- If you're preparing this in advance, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
- Feel free to customize the salad with additional vegetables like red onions or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
