Go Back

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh and healthy meal made with juicy chicken, rigatoni, vegetables, and a homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep, lunches, and summer gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad

  • 12 ounces rigatoni
  • Sea salt for pasta water
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup sliced roasted red peppers
  • 1/3 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • 2 tablespoons capers drained
  • 1 cup arugula
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Vinaigrette

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper.
  • Cook for about 8 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the rigatoni until al dente according to the package directions.
  • Drain well and transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl to cool slightly.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  • Add tomatoes, roasted red peppers, olives, and capers to the pasta.
  • Pour the vinaigrette over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
  • Fold in the diced chicken and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • If serving immediately, add arugula and basil and gently toss. For meal prep, add the greens just before serving to keep them fresh. Enjoy this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Fresh basil provides the best flavor.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan whenever possible.
  • This salad is excellent for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
  • Serve with warm garlic bread or a simple green salad.