Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Delight
This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Delight is a vibrant and refreshing salad that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Perfect for using up leftover chicken or turkey, this easy-to-make dish combines al dente pasta shells with a medley of fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing. Ideal for a light lunch, a picnic, or to impress guests at your next gathering, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients. With a preparation time of under 30 minutes, you’ll have a delightful meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy the harmony of flavors as you savor each bite of this delightful pasta salad, reminiscent of classic Greek salads for a true taste of the Mediterranean.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked chicken breasts
2 - 3 (diced)
Small shell pasta
1 (8 ounce) package (cooked and drained)
Green onions
4 - 6 (sliced)
Black olives
2 cups (sliced)
Celery stalks
2 (diced)
Green bell pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
Red bell pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
Feta cheese
1/3 lb (crumbled)
Cooked bacon
4 - 6 slices (optional) (crumbled)
Red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Olive oil
3/4 cup (none)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Black pepper
to taste (none)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (optional) (none)
Grated parmesan cheese
2 - 3 tablespoons (none)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente, taking care not to overcook it. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
2
Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it for the salad. Drain again and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, cooked pasta, sliced green onions, black olives, diced celery, chopped bell peppers, and crumbled feta cheese. If using, add crumbled bacon to the mix.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder (if using), grated parmesan cheese, and dried oregano until well combined.
5
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
6
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together, although overnight is even better.
7
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss, and if desired, sprinkle additional feta cheese on top for garnish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Delight?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines al dente pasta shells with cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one 8-ounce package of small shell pasta.
Can I use leftover meat in this dish?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken or turkey.
How long does it take to prepare the salad?
The preparation time is under 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal option.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and cools it down for the salad.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld, though overnight is even better.
Is the bacon mandatory in this recipe?
No, the 4-6 slices of cooked bacon are optional and can be omitted if preferred.
What ingredients are used in the homemade dressing?
The dressing includes red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, grated parmesan cheese, and dried oregano.
What type of cheese is used in this Mediterranean salad?
The recipe uses 1/3 lb of crumbled feta cheese and 2-3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.
Which vegetables are included in the pasta mixture?
The salad contains green onions, black olives, celery stalks, and both red and green bell peppers.
How much chicken is required?
You should use 2 to 3 cooked chicken breasts, diced.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is an excellent way to prepare the diced chicken needed for the recipe.
What is the best way to cook the pasta for this salad?
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, taking care not to overcook it.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe suggests using 4 to 6 sliced green onions.
What type of olives are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of sliced black olives.
How much celery is in the salad?
There are 2 diced celery stalks included in the mixture.
What is the quantity of bell peppers used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped green bell pepper and 1/2 cup of chopped red bell pepper.
Is the garlic powder optional?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder is listed as an optional ingredient for the dressing.
What kind of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar.
How much olive oil is in the dressing?
The dressing requires 3/4 cup of olive oil.
What is the amount of Dijon mustard used?
One tablespoon of Dijon mustard is used to add zest to the dressing.
Can I add extra garnish before serving?
Yes, you can sprinkle additional crumbled feta cheese on top for garnish after giving the salad a final toss.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as being packed with nutritious ingredients and is tagged as a healthy recipe.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 17 specific ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this a main course or a side dish?
It can be served as a light lunch, a side for a picnic, or a main dish for guests.
Can I use dry oregano?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken should be cooked and then diced before being added to the mixing bowl.
What size package of pasta is required?
An 8-ounce package of small shell pasta is required.
What is the consistency of the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked to an al dente consistency.
Is this dish served cold or warm?
This is a cold pasta salad, as the pasta is rinsed in cold water and the finished dish is refrigerated before serving.