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The heart of a great salad lies in the careful combination of ingredients. When preparing your Chilled Mediterranean Delight: Chicken Pasta Salad, it’s essential to ensure that each component is mixed thoroughly for optimal flavor distribution. Start by placing your cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the other ingredients, as this prevents wilting of fresh vegetables and herbs.

Cold Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Beat the summer heat with the Chilled Mediterranean Delight: Chicken Pasta Salad! This vibrant dish is bursting with fresh ingredients like rotini pasta, grilled chicken, and colorful vegetables, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light dinners, it satisfies both taste and health needs. Easy to customize, it's ideal for any gathering or meal. Bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rotini pasta

1 lb grilled chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced into small cubes

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, use a whisk to blend together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and emulsified. Set this dressing aside for later use.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with the diced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley.

        Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed.

          Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, dish out the salad into serving bowls and garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

            Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

              - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large, shallow bowl for a family-style presentation, or in individual cups for a more elegant touch. Add a sprig of parsley on top of each serving for a pop of color.