Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Artichokes and Herbs
This vibrant Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad combines succulent grilled chicken with the bright flavors of artichoke hearts and fresh herbs, making it a perfect dish for warm afternoons or potlucks. With a base of fusilli pasta, this salad is not only visually appealing but also deliciously satisfying. The tossed ingredients, including crisp scallions and fragrant parsley, are coated in a light olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Ideal for meal prep, this pasta salad can easily be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. For a variation, substitute chicken with turkey sausage or pepperoni for a different twist!
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (grilled and sliced)
Olive oil
7 tablespoons (divided)
Salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (divided)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (seasoning)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
Fusilli pasta
3/4 lb (cooked and rinsed)
Artichoke hearts
1 1/4 cups (drained, rinsed, and cut into wedges (from 1 can))
Scallions
3 (chopped, including green tops)
Flat leaf parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons (for dressing)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated (and more for serving))
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill or heat the broiler to high. While it's heating, brush the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
2
Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice the chicken into 1/4-inch wide strips.
3
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the fusilli according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain thoroughly.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, tossing to coat evenly to prevent sticking.
5
Add the sliced grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, chopped scallions, chopped parsley, the remaining 5 tablespoons of olive oil, the tablespoon of red wine vinegar, the additional 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Toss everything together gently until well combined.
6
Serve the pasta salad in bowls, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese to taste. Enjoy your refreshing Mediterranean creation!
Nutrition Information
9.5g
Fat
21.25g
Carbs
18.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant dish combining succulent grilled chicken with artichoke hearts, fresh herbs, and fusilli pasta in a light olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of boneless skinless chicken breast, grilled and sliced into strips.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
Fusilli pasta is used as the base for this salad, as its shape holds the dressing and ingredients well.
How do I prepare the artichoke hearts?
You should use 1 1/4 cups of canned artichoke hearts that have been drained, rinsed, and cut into wedges.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with turkey sausage or pepperoni for a different twist.
How many calories are in this pasta salad?
There are approximately 225 calories per serving.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely, this pasta salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for meal prep.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
After draining and rinsing the pasta under cold water, toss it with one tablespoon of olive oil to coat evenly.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses fresh flat leaf parsley and chopped scallions, including the green tops.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe contains 18.5 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat does this salad contain?
This Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad contains 9.5 grams of fat.
What type of cheese is added to the salad?
Grated Parmesan cheese is tossed into the salad and can also be used as a topping when serving.
How long should I grill the chicken?
Grill the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until it is cooked through and no longer pink.
Should the pasta be cooked a certain way?
The fusilli should be cooked in boiling salted water according to package instructions until it is al dente.
What seasonings are used for the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper before grilling.
Is this dish suitable for a potluck?
Yes, its ability to be served at room temperature and its vibrant flavors make it a perfect dish for potlucks.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
A total of 7 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between brushing the chicken, coating the pasta, and the dressing.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 21.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I serve this salad warm?
While it can be served at room temperature or cold, it is versatile enough to be enjoyed according to your preference.
How much red wine vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar for the dressing.
What temperature should the grill be?
You should preheat your grill or broiler to a high heat setting.
How should I slice the chicken?
After letting the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, slice it into 1/4-inch wide strips.
Does this recipe include garlic?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder is used to season the chicken before cooking.
What is the total amount of salt used?
The recipe uses a total of 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, divided between seasoning and the dressing.
How many scallions should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 chopped scallions, including the green tops.
Is the parsley used for flavor or garnish?
The 1/4 cup of chopped flat leaf parsley is tossed into the salad to provide fragrance and flavor throughout.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, with tags like 'quick meal' and simple instructions, it is designed for ease and efficiency.
What makes this a Mediterranean dish?
The combination of olive oil, artichoke hearts, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese provides a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 main ingredients used to create this pasta salad.