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
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 ½–1 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
- 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.
- Prepare the pasta: Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water until completely cooled.
- Make the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and whisk until well emulsified.
- 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.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to develop.
- 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