Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
40 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
4 to 6
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Calories
71018 kcal
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Cuisine
International
Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
Description
Greek Chicken Pasta Salad starts with a marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and cracked black pepper that flavors the boneless, skinless chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. The chicken is then cooked and combined with pasta that has been cooked and cooled. Fresh diced bell pepper, grape tomatoes (or substitute diced Roma or medium tomatoes), cucumber, chopped parsley, and crumbled feta cheese are tossed together with the reserved portion of the dressing. Garlic and lemon zest add brightness and depth to the overall taste.
The dish offers a balance of tender grilled chicken with refreshing vegetables and the creamy tanginess of feta. The lemony garlic dressing ties all the components together with a citrusy, fragrant note. It is ideal as a light main dish or as a side salad in Mediterranean-flavored meals.
This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it convenient for picnics or meal prepping. Adjusting the tomato type based on availability will not compromise flavor significantly.
Ingredients
MARINADE/DRESSING
- 1 lemon $0.59
- 1/4 cup olive oil $0.64
- 3 cloves garlic $0.24, divided
- 1/2 Tbsp oregano $0.07, dried
- 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
- black pepper $0.03, freshly cracked
SALAD
- 2 chicken thighs $2.10, boneless, skinless
- 8 oz. pasta $0.50, any shape
- 1 bell pepper $1.50, any color
- 4 oz. grape tomatoes $1.00
- 1/2 cucumber $1.00, 1.5 cups diced
- 1/4 parsley $0.20, bunch
- 2 oz. feta cheese $1.12
Instructions
- Use a zester, microplane, or small-holed cheese grater to remove the zest from the lemon. Set the zest aside. Squeeze the juice from the lemon into a separate bowl. You'll need at least 1/4 cup juice.
- Prepare the dressing and marinade by mincing two of the three cloves of garlic and combining them with 1/4 cup lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, some freshly cracked pepper, and a pinch of the lemon zest. Whisk these ingredients until well combined.
- Place the chicken thighs in a small zip lock bag and add half of the dressing, saving the rest to add to the salad later. Mince one more clove of garlic and add it to the bag with the chicken and marinade. Squeeze the air out and massage the bag to make sure the thighs are well coated in the marinade. Refrigerate the thighs for at least 30 minutes.
- While the chicken is marinating, cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain in a colander, and let cool.
- Heat a skillet over a medium flame. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs and cook on each side until they are well browned and cooked through (about 5 minutes each side). There should be enough oil in the marinade to keep the meat from sticking. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest for about five minutes. Once slightly cooled, chop the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rest of the vegetables. Dice the cucumber and bell pepper. Slice the tomatoes in half (or dice if using Roma or regular tomatoes). Pull the parsley leaves from the stems and give them a rough chop.
- Finally, build the salad. Add the cooked and cooled pasta to a large bowl. Top the pasta with the cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, parsley, and chopped chicken. Crumble the feta over top and add a pinch or two of the lemon zest. Pour the remaining dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Notes
- Grape tomatoes can be substituted with two diced Roma tomatoes or one medium tomato without altering the salad's character.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4to 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 71018 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1Serving | |
| Calories | 710.18kcal | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 50.93g | 17% |
| Protein | 17.38g | 35% |
| Fat | 49.13g | 76% |
| Sodium | 561.98mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 4.25g | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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