Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Get ready for a recipe that’s absolutely bursting with Mediterranean goodness—Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant, satisfying meal that brings together tender grilled chicken, crisp veggies, feta, olives, and the tastiest homemade Greek dressing. Perfect for lunch, parties, or easy weeknight dinners, this salad is as colorful as it is flavorful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • All-in-One Meal: You get protein, veggies, and pasta in every bite, making it a truly hearty and balanced dish.
  • Bold Mediterranean Flavors: Zippy lemon, creamy feta, olives, and oregano make every forkful bright, tangy, and irresistible.
  • Perfect for Prep or Parties: Greek Chicken Pasta Salad holds up beautifully in the fridge and travels well, making it ideal for meal prep or picnics.
  • Customizable For Everyone: You can easily tweak the mix-ins to suit any craving or dietary need, so everyone at the table is happy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how each ingredient in Greek Chicken Pasta Salad brings something wonderful—color, crunch, creaminess, or bold flavor. Gather these kitchen essentials together and you’re already halfway to a crave-worthy bowl!

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Grilled for smoky flavor and juicy, tender bites that are the protein backbone of this salad.
  • Olive oil: For grilling the chicken and whisking into your bright, fresh Greek-style dressing.
  • Farfalle pasta: Bowtie shapes catch lots of dressing and bits of veggies—use your favorite short-cut pasta if you like!
  • Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy pops of color and freshness in every forkful.
  • Cucumber: Brings cool crunch and a refreshing bite to balance the savory elements.
  • Red onion: A punchy hit of flavor—dice small so it doesn’t overwhelm.
  • Pepperoncini: These tangy, mildly spicy pepper rings sneak in a delicious zing you’ll love.
  • Kalamata olives: Deep, briny, and intensely flavorful—don’t skip them unless you must!
  • Crumbled feta cheese: The creamy, salty finishing touch that truly makes this a Greek pasta salad.
  • Red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt & black pepper: The power players for your bright, homemade Greek vinaigrette.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t be shy about making this Greek Chicken Pasta Salad your own! With a few tweaks, you can cater to picky eaters, add extra veggies, or keep things gluten-free and just as delicious.

  • Swap the Protein: Try grilled shrimp, sliced steak, or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
  • Change up the Pasta: Use penne, rotini, or even orzo—whole wheat or gluten-free varieties work beautifully, too.
  • Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or fresh spinach for extra nutrition and color.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Simply leave out the feta or substitute a plant-based version if needed.

How to Make Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Grill and Prep the Chicken

Brush your chicken breasts with olive oil and season on both sides with salt and pepper. Fire up your grill (or preheat a grill pan) to medium heat, and grill the chicken for about 10 minutes per side, until fully cooked and perfectly charred. Let it rest and cool; this keeps each bite juicy, then chop into hearty chunks.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is grilling, cook the farfalle according to the package directions in a big pot of salted water. Once tender but still al dente, drain well and spread out on a tray or toss gently with a tiny drizzle of olive oil to cool faster and prevent sticking.

Step 3: Whisk the Greek Dressing

Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, bright lemon juice, dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk for about a minute, until the dressing becomes cloudy and emulsified—it’s worth the extra arm workout!

Step 4: Chop the Veggies

Slice those cherry tomatoes in half, dice up the cucumber and red onion, chop the pepperoncini and halve the olives. The varied shapes and sizes make every bite unique and delicious!

Step 5: Assemble and Toss

Add the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, all those gorgeous veggies, olives, and feta to a large bowl. Drizzle generously with your homemade dressing and toss until everything is coated and glistening. Pop it in the fridge for an hour if you have time—the flavors mingle and it becomes even better.

Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

  • Chicken Perfection: Let the grilled chicken rest before chopping for maximum juiciness—hot-off-the-grill pieces can lose moisture quickly.
  • Chill for Best Flavor: Greek Chicken Pasta Salad tastes even better after an hour or two in the fridge, so plan ahead if you can.
  • Dicing Makes a Difference: Cut your veggies into similar bite-sized pieces so every forkful is balanced and easy to eat.
  • Dressing Control: Start with half the dressing, then add more as you toss—it’s easy to add, but hard to take away!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Brighten things up with a handful of fresh chopped parsley or dill, a sprinkle of extra feta, or a few extra sliced pepperoncini to finish your Greek Chicken Pasta Salad. A drizzle of really good olive oil just before serving is pure magic.

Side Dishes

This salad happily shares the plate with fresh pita, crusty bread, lemony roasted potatoes, or a tangy tzatziki dip. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad or a simple platter of grilled vegetables is a perfect match.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the salad into lettuce cups for a handheld party snack, serve in mason jars for picnic perfection, or arrange in a big, colorful platter for a potluck centerpiece. Mini skewers of chicken and veggies alongside make for a fun, deconstructed option too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any Greek Chicken Pasta Salad leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious—just give it a gentle toss and freshen with extra lemon if needed.

Freezing

It’s best to avoid freezing this salad, as pasta and fresh vegetables don’t thaw well (they become mushy and lose their gorgeous crunch).

Reheating

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you do want to take the chill off, a quick sit on the counter or a brief zap in the microwave (just until barely warm) is all it needs—skip reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Greek Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?

    Absolutely! This salad is even better when made a few hours (or even a day) in advance. Just wait to add a bit of extra dressing and the feta until serving, so everything stays extra fresh and vibrant.

  2. What can I substitute for chicken to make it vegetarian?

    For a vegetarian version, swap in grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or even extra veggies like artichoke hearts and bell peppers. You’ll still get plenty of flavor and heartiness!

  3. Can I use store-bought Greek dressing?

    You sure can, especially if you’re in a hurry. However, homemade Greek dressing is quick and brings brighter, fresher flavors—plus, you can adjust the seasonings to your taste!

  4. How do I keep my pasta salad from getting soggy?

    Let your pasta and chicken cool completely before tossing with the veggies and dressing. If planning to store, reserve some dressing to freshen things up just before serving keeping everything bouncy and lively.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad has become a staple year-round in my kitchen for good reason—every bite is packed with sunshiney flavor, freshness, and a little bit of magic. Give it a try, and I hope it becomes your new picnic and meal prep favorite too!

Print
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Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 140 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 (2-cup servings) 1x
  • Category: Grilling
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, fresh veggies, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a light and flavorful meal!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil

Pasta Salad:

  • 16 oz farfalle pasta cooked according to package directions
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced or thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion diced
  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup kalamata olives halved
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Juice from 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Brush chicken with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then grill until cooked through. Chop into large pieces.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil farfalle pasta until al dente, then drain and let cool.
  3. Make Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Assemble Salad: Combine all salad ingredients in a bowl, add dressing, and toss well. Chill before serving if desired.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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