Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

Featured in Nutritious and Delicious Healthy Recipes.

This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad combines Mediterranean flavors with hearty ingredients for a satisfying meal that's perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep. The salad features tender grilled chicken, farfalle pasta, and a colorful array of fresh vegetables including cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. What makes it special are the distinctly Greek elements - tangy feta cheese, briny kalamata olives, and pepperoncini peppers that add a mild heat. The homemade red wine vinaigrette ties everything together with classic Mediterranean flavors of olive oil, lemon, and oregano. This versatile dish works equally well as a complete meal or a side dish, and can be enjoyed fresh or made ahead for convenient lunches throughout the week.
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Updated on Fri, 28 Feb 2025 21:29:35 GMT
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Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this vibrant Greek Chicken Pasta Salad that combines the best elements of Greek cuisine in one satisfying dish. The combination of tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures in every forkful.

After experimenting with countless pasta salad variations, I discovered that allowing the warm pasta to absorb some of the dressing before adding other ingredients creates the most flavorful result. It's a simple step that makes a remarkable difference.

Essential Components

  • Pasta Selection: Farfalle's nooks and crannies capture the perfect amount of dressing
  • Chicken Preparation: Proper grilling creates flavorful, juicy chicken that enhances the entire dish
  • Vegetable Cut: Uniform, bite-sized pieces ensure balanced flavor in every forkful
  • Dressing Balance: The perfect ratio of oil to vinegar creates a dressing that clings to ingredients
  • Cheese Quality: Authentic feta provides the distinctive briny flavor essential to Greek cuisine
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Easy Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Creating Your Masterpiece

Perfect The Pasta:
Cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb moisture from the dressing. Rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking.
Master The Chicken:
Season chicken simply with olive oil, salt and pepper to complement rather than compete with other flavors. Grill until just cooked through.
Build The Dressing:
Whisk red wine vinegar with lemon juice and Dijon before slowly streaming in oil for proper emulsion.
Layer The Flavors:
Toss warm pasta with a portion of the dressing before adding vegetables and protein. This allows pasta to absorb maximum flavor.
Time The Assembly:
Add feta cheese last to prevent it from breaking down and becoming too crumbly.

This pasta salad has become my signature contribution to summer gatherings, where its bright colors and flavors always attract attention. The balance of hearty and refreshing elements makes it perfect for outdoor dining.

Perfect Pairings

Complete your Mediterranean meal with complementary dishes. Serve with warm pita bread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with za'atar. For a light dinner, pair with a simple Greek salad. Add hummus and tzatziki on the side for dipping. Complete the experience with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Assyrtiko.

Creative Variations

Adapt this versatile salad to suit your preferences. Create a seafood version by substituting grilled shrimp for chicken. Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with chickpeas or grilled halloumi. Add artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers for extra Mediterranean flair. For a heartier version, incorporate orzo instead of farfalle.

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Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Storage Success

This salad keeps beautifully for several days. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If preparing ahead for a gathering, reserve a small portion of dressing to refresh the salad just before serving. For maximum freshness, add cucumber just before serving.

Through countless iterations of pasta salads, I've found that attention to detail transforms a simple dish into something memorable. This recipe proves that a thoughtful combination of quality ingredients, proper preparation, and balanced flavors creates a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it's perfect for meal prep and actually tastes better after the flavors meld. Keep dressing separate until ready to serve if preparing more than a day ahead.
→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you don't like feta, try goat cheese or fresh mozzarella balls. For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative.
→ Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute the farfalle with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Rice, corn, or chickpea pasta all work well.
→ What can I use instead of chicken?
For a vegetarian version, substitute with chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese. Shrimp or salmon also work well for a seafood alternative.
→ How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb some dressing, so you might want to add a splash more before serving leftovers.

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

A refreshing Mediterranean pasta salad featuring grilled chicken, farfalle pasta, and Greek-inspired ingredients like feta, olives, and a tangy vinaigrette.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Healthy Eating

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
03 16 oz farfalle pasta cooked according to package directions
04 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
05 1 cup cucumber diced or thinly sliced
06 1/4 cup red onion diced
07 ¼ cup pepperoncini thinly sliced
08 ⅓ cup kalamata olives halved
09 ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese

→ Dressing

10 1/2 cup olive oil
11 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
12 1 tablespoon lemon juice (Juice from 1 lemon)
13 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
14 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 1/4 teaspoon salt
16 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Brush chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides. Preheat grill to medium heat (or use a grill pan) and grill for about 10 minutes on each side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F. Remove from grill and set aside to cool before chopping into large pieces.

Step 02

Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water. Drain and let cool.

Step 03

Whisk together all ingredients for dressing until emulsified.

Step 04

Chop all veggies.

Step 05

Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and toss well with dressing until evenly coated. Optional: chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese)
  • Contains gluten (pasta)
  • Contains mustard (dijon)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 599
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
  • Protein: 31 g