Ingredients
Scale
- 200g (7 oz) of whole wheat or regular pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano. Grill over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad and give it a gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with additional parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in some of the dressing before grilling.
- Use a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and visual appeal.
- Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Separate the dressing if preparing ahead of time to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling, Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Healthy, Gluten-Free Option (with gluten-free pasta)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 430 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg