Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is fresh, hearty, and packed with Mediterranean flavors in every bite. Tender rotini pasta is tossed with juicy seasoned chicken, crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a zesty Greek dressing for a refreshing and satisfying dish that works perfectly for lunches, dinners, meal prep, BBQs, or summer gatherings. With vibrant vegetables, creamy feta, and flavorful herbs, this easy pasta salad is light yet filling and always a crowd favorite.

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is filled with pasta, chicken, feta cheese, cucumbers, olives, and Greek dressing.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Chill Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 430

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Pasta Salad
• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast cubed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cucumber sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion diced
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• For the Greek Dressing
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until tender.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse lightly with cool water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
3. Let the pasta drain completely while preparing the remaining ingredients.
4. Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized cubes and season lightly with black pepper and oregano if desired.
5. Slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, and prepare the olives and feta cheese.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
8. Pour the Greek dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
9. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend together.
10. Garnish with extra feta cheese or oregano before serving if desired.

Notes

• Cool the pasta completely before mixing with the vegetables.
• Feta cheese adds creamy salty flavor to the salad.
• Kalamata olives provide authentic Greek flavor.
• Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing beautifully.
• Chilling the salad improves the flavor and texture.
• Rotini pasta holds dressing very well.
• Fresh vegetables keep the salad crisp and refreshing.

Variations

• Add baby spinach or romaine lettuce.
• Use grilled shrimp instead of chicken.
• Add chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
• Replace feta with mozzarella pearls.
• Add roasted red peppers for sweetness.
• Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
• Add avocado slices before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled for lunch or dinner.
• Pair with pita bread or garlic bread.
• Serve at BBQs, potlucks, or picnics.
• Pair with grilled meats or seafood.
• Serve alongside soup or sandwiches.
• Add extra feta cheese before serving.
• Enjoy as an easy meal prep lunch during the week.

Tips

• Do not overcook the pasta to keep the salad firm.
• Toss the salad gently to avoid breaking the feta cheese.
• Refrigerate before serving for the best flavor.
• Use freshly cooked chicken for the juiciest texture.
• Add extra dressing if the pasta absorbs too much while chilling.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make a great garnish.

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Servings

Serves: 6 people

Nutritional Info (Approx.)

Calories: 430 per serving
Protein: 24g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 620mg

FAQs

Can I make Greek Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for making ahead because the flavors become even better after chilling in the refrigerator. It can easily be prepared several hours ahead or the night before serving. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing while stored, simply toss with a little extra olive oil or dressing before serving.

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Grilled chicken breast is one of the best options because it adds extra smoky flavor and stays tender in the salad. Rotisserie chicken also works wonderfully for a quicker preparation. Leftover baked or pan-seared chicken can also be used successfully.

Can I use bottled Greek dressing instead of homemade?
Absolutely. Store-bought Greek dressing is a great shortcut when you need a faster meal. However, homemade dressing gives the salad fresher flavor and allows you to control the seasoning and acidity more easily.

How long does Greek Chicken Pasta Salad last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the salad stays fresh for about 3–4 days. The vegetables remain crisp for the first couple of days, while the pasta continues absorbing flavor from the dressing over time.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply leave out the chicken and add extra vegetables or chickpeas for protein. The salad still tastes delicious and satisfying thanks to the feta cheese, olives, pasta, and flavorful Greek dressing.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is fresh, colorful, flavorful, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients that make every bite delicious. With tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, salty feta, and zesty dressing, this easy recipe is perfect for meal prep, BBQs, picnics, lunches, and summer dinners. It’s refreshing, hearty, and always satisfying.