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In the vibrant world of Mediterranean cuisine, few dishes capture the essence of summer like a refreshing pasta salad. The Sunny Mediterranean Pasta Delight is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, colors, and flavors that transport you to sun-soaked shores. Picture yourself on a warm, breezy day, surrounded by friends and family, as you share this delightful dish that embodies the spirit of the Mediterranean lifestyle. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or even a light dinner. Featuring whole grain rotini, tender chicken, and a medley of vegetables, this dish is nutritious, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make.

Light Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

Elevate your summer gatherings with the Sunny Mediterranean Pasta Delight, a vibrant pasta salad that celebrates fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavors. Featuring whole grain rotini, lean chicken, colorful veggies, and a zesty dressing, this dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for meal prep or light dinners, it's an easy, wholesome meal that brings the spirit of summer to your table. Discover the joy of Mediterranean cooking and nourish your body with this delightful recipe!

Ingredients
  

8 oz whole grain rotini pasta

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, peeled and diced

1 bell pepper (any color), chopped into small pieces

½ red onion, thinly sliced

½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the whole grain rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente, as per the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the mixture together vigorously until well blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

      Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, diced cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.

        Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss the salad using a spatula or tongs until every ingredient is thoroughly coated with the dressing.

          Chill: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. This cooling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

            Serve: Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. Garnish each serving with a lemon wedge to add a fresh burst of citrus flavor when squeezed over the salad.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6 servings

                Presentation Tips: To enhance visual appeal, consider serving the pasta salad in large shallow bowls and sprinkle additional feta cheese and parsley on top before adding the lemon wedges to the side. This adds a beautiful contrast and invites diners to dig in!