Name: Greek Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta (farfalle or fusilli – bowties or spirals); 1 lb chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 cup cucumber (diced); 1 small red onion (sliced); 1 cup Kalamata olives (halved); 2 tablespoons Greek seasoning; 2 teaspoons honey; 2 tablespoons water; ½ cup olive oil (divided); ¼ cup red wine vinegar (can substitute balsamic vinegar); ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings together the freshest flavors of the Mediterranean, this Greek Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, and perfectly seasoned chicken, all tossed in a zesty homemade Greek dressing, this salad strikes the perfect balance of hearty and refreshing. It’s incredibly easy to make, colorful to look at, and makes an ideal meal for a picnic, a quick lunch, or a welcoming addition to any dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden cutting board placed on a white marbled surface, with small pieces of light pink chicken spread across it, covered in a greenish-brown spice mix. Above the cutting board are four white bowls arranged in a loose square: the top left bowl contains roughly chopped light green cucumber, the top right bowl holds halved bright red cherry tomatoes, the bottom left bowl is filled with dark red kidney beans, and the bottom right bowl has thinly sliced rings of purple onion. To the far right of the bowls is a white measuring cup filled with a yellow liquid. A white cloth with blue stripes is partially visible on the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each component adds its own delicious texture and flavor, turning ordinary pasta salad into something truly unforgettable.

Pasta (12 ounces): Farfalle or fusilli work wonderfully to hold onto the dressing and complement the salad’s textures.
Chicken breasts (1 lb): Adds protein and a satisfying bite when cooked with aromatic Greek seasoning.
Greek seasoning (1 tablespoon plus 2 tablespoons for dressing): Provides authentic Mediterranean spices that elevate the entire dish.
Olive oil (3/4 cup total): Used both for cooking the chicken and creating the luscious dressing.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Adds a burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Brings a fresh crunch to every bite.
Red onion (1 small, sliced): Its sharpness adds a nice contrasting zing.
Kalamata olives (1 cup, halved): These salty gems pack authentic Greek flavor and depth.
Red wine vinegar (¼ cup): Offers just enough acidity to balance the richness in the dressing.
Honey (2 teaspoons): A touch of sweetness to round out the tartness.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Creamy base for the dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
Feta cheese (½ cup): Crumbled on top for that salty, creamy finish that makes this salad sing.

How to Make Greek Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling salted water and cooking your chosen pasta until al dente, usually about 10 minutes. Drain it well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Setting the pasta aside to cool is crucial because it keeps the salad refreshing and prevents it from becoming mushy later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then give them a generous toss with Greek seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F, ensuring it’s juicy and perfectly cooked. Set the chicken aside to cool before adding it to the salad, which helps maintain the integrity of the textures.

Step 3: Whip Up the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the Greek seasoning with water and let it rest momentarily to infuse. whisk in olive oil, red wine vinegar, mayonnaise, honey, and Dijon mustard until you have a smooth, creamy dressing that delivers a punch of Greek flavor with every bite. This homemade dressing is truly what brings the whole dish together — it’s fresh, tangy, and just a little sweet.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Into the bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and kalamata olives. Pour in the dressing and toss everything thoroughly to ensure each ingredient is coated with that lovely tangy sauce. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and add the perfectly cooked chicken to crown your Greek Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe. Chill the salad until you’re ready to serve — this step allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Greek Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with four main layers. The bottom layer is light yellow pasta shaped like small bows, filling the whole bowl. On top, the bowl is divided into four sections: bright red cherry tomatoes cut in half on the bottom left, light green cucumber pieces roughly chopped on the top left, dark brown sliced olives in the top right, and light purple thin onion rings on the bottom right. Around the bowl, there is a small white bowl filled with white cheese curds on the top left, a wooden spoon and fork on the right, a few cucumber slices on the top right, and a blue and white checked cloth on the bottom left. The picture is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness and presentation, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill right before serving. A few whole olives or additional feta crumbles also make charming garnishes that highlight the salad’s flavors while adding vivid appeal.

Side Dishes

This Greek Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, grilled vegetables, or even a light bowl of lemony lentil soup. These sides emphasize the Mediterranean vibe and round out the meal, making it perfect for a family feast or casual get-together.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in colorful bowls or clear glass containers that showcase its vibrant layers. For parties, consider individual mason jar servings to create handheld salads that guests can enjoy with ease. You can also add a wedge of lemon on the side for those who love a fresh citrus kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, though the veggies remain crisp and inviting. For best taste, give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and mayonnaise-based dressing, freezing is not recommended as it will alter the texture of the salad and dressing. Instead, make it fresh or store refrigerated as described.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer your chicken warm, gently heat the cooked chicken separately in a skillet or microwave before adding it back to the chilled salad.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While farfalle and fusilli are ideal because their shapes hold the dressing well, penne or rotini are great alternatives that work just as beautifully.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This particular recipe uses traditional wheat pasta, but you can easily swap it for a gluten-free pasta to keep it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and maybe add some chickpeas or grilled tofu for additional protein. The salad remains flavorful and satisfying without the meat.

How long does it take to prepare?

The entire Greek Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe comes together in about 25 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a last-minute meal or lunch prep.

What’s the best way to keep the salad from getting soggy?

Rinsing the pasta with cold water after cooking and chilling the salad before serving ensures it stays fresh and prevents sogginess. Also, store any leftovers promptly in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors yet easy enough to whip up any day of the week. This Greek Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe is a delicious example of how simple ingredients can come together for a meal that’s both nourishing and exciting. I can’t wait for you to try it and see why it’s become one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family. Dive in and enjoy every flavorful bite!

Greek Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need