If you’re searching for a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying dish, this Chicken Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe is truly a game changer. Bursting with colorful vegetables, tender chicken, creamy feta, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh basil, every bite delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s simple to assemble yet impressive enough to bring to a picnic, potluck, or a casual family dinner. Whether you’re craving something light or want a side that stands out, this recipe ticks all the boxes for a delightful meal that’s easy to love and hard to forget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients is the first step toward making this delicious Chicken Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe. Each component brings something special, whether it’s the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes, the creamy tang of feta, or the fresh zing of lemon juice, making the salad a well-rounded temple of taste, texture, and color.
- Cooked pasta (2 cups): Penne or rotini are perfect for holding the dressing and mixing beautifully with other ingredients.
- Cooked, chopped chicken breast (1½ cups): Adds a hearty protein boost that makes the salad satisfying and filling.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup): Offer sweet juiciness and vibrant color that brighten the whole salad.
- Cucumber, diced (1 cup): Brings refreshing crunch and coolness against the richer elements.
- Black olives, sliced (½ cup): Provide a salty, savory depth that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Red onion, thinly sliced (½ cup): Adds a sharp bite and beautiful purple hue for contrast.
- Feta cheese, crumbled (¾ cup): Creamy and tangy, it’s the star that elevates the salad’s taste immensely.
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (¼ cup): Impart a fragrant herbal note that ties the entire salad together.
- Garlic, minced (1 clove): Infuses the dressing with a subtle punch of flavor.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Creates a smooth, luscious base for the dressing.
- Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a sweet-tart depth that balances the salad beautifully.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brings brightness and a zesty pop to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, enhancing all the fresh ingredients.
How to Make Chicken Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by placing the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, thin red onion slices, crumbled feta, and chopped basil into a large bowl. Gently toss everything together so the flavors begin mingling and the colors create an inviting palette. This mixture forms the hearty foundation for the salad’s taste and appearance.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice. This dressing strikes the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and aromatic components. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper, adjusting it to suit your flavor preference. This simple dressing is a critical element that lifts the whole salad.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Pour the freshly made dressing evenly over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every bite will be coated with that luscious dressing, infusing each ingredient with flavor and moisture. This step is where the magic happens, blending the individual elements into a delicious whole.
Step 4: Chill or Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop beautifully. You can also serve it right away if you’re short on time or prefer a salad at room temperature. The resting period, though, truly deepens the taste.
Step 5: Final Seasoning Adjustment
Before serving, give the salad a quick taste test and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. This simple step ensures each bite is perfectly seasoned, making your Chicken Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe taste just right every time.
How to Serve Chicken Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation and an extra flavor punch, sprinkle a few whole basil leaves on top or add a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds a lovely sheen and richness. These little touches make the dish feel extra special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This salad is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. Offering a variety of textures and flavors alongside it turns your meal into a well-rounded feast. It’s especially great with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Chicken Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe in individual mason jars or on a vibrant bed of mixed greens for a fresh twist. You can also stuff it into pita pockets for a portable lunch or arrange it on a platter with extra veggies for a delightful buffet-style spread that will get everyone reaching for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days or quick lunches.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and feta, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture of the ingredients will change substantially, resulting in a less enjoyable eating experience. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparing.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you do prefer it slightly warmed, remove the salad from the fridge 15 minutes before serving to bring it closer to room temperature without compromising the freshness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are ideal because they hold dressing well, you can use farfalle, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni depending on what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook and cool it properly.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding chickpeas or your favorite beans for protein. The feta and olives will still keep the salad rich and flavorful.
How long can I prepare the salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare this salad no more than a day ahead to maintain the freshness of the vegetables and herbs. Tossing it with dressing right before serving keeps everything crisp and tasty.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, fresh parsley or even a mix of oregano and thyme can work as substitutes, though basil’s sweet and aromatic flavor is hard to match exactly.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even some steamed broccoli florets to customize the salad to your liking. Just keep the balance so the original flavors shine through.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Chicken Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe a try soon. It’s such a joy to make and share — incredibly versatile, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Once you taste this vibrant mix of fresh ingredients and delightful textures, I’m confident it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for both everyday meals and special gatherings!
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Chicken Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for a light lunch or a picnic. Combining cooked pasta, tender chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing, it offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The addition of feta cheese and fresh basil leaves enhances the salad with Mediterranean-inspired notes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked and cooled pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 ½ cups cooked and chopped chicken breast
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dressing
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped chicken breast, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil leaves. Gently toss the ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preference, blending thoroughly to create a smooth dressing.
- Toss Pasta Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently until all components are well coated with the dressing, ensuring even flavor throughout.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Alternatively, you can serve the salad immediately if you prefer it at room temperature.
- Adjust Seasoning Before Serving: Just before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary for your preferred flavor balance.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled but can be served at room temperature if preferred.
- Pasta should be cooked al dente and fully cooled before mixing to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- You can substitute chicken breast with grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and increase feta and vegetables.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can enhance the flavor profile.
