Go Back
–+ servings
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad for Effortless Summer Meals

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant, make-ahead dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 cups Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Adjust to taste
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 8 ounces Rigatoni Cook until al dente
  • 2 cups Tomatoes Halved
  • 1 cup Roasted Red Peppers Diced
  • 1/2 cup Olives Pitted
  • 2 tablespoons Capers Optional
  • 2 cups Arugula Can substitute with spinach
  • 1/4 cup Basil Chopped
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Oregano
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Freshly minced

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled rigatoni, tomatoes, red peppers, olives, and capers. Add sliced chicken and mix gently.
  5. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Add Parmesan, arugula, basil, and oregano just before serving.
  6. Serve at room temperature or chill for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Cool pasta completely before adding dressing. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through. Add fresh greens just before serving for maximum freshness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!