Chopped Greek Pasta Chicken Veggie Salad
A Chopped Greek Pasta Salad with Chicken is a fresh, protein-packed Mediterranean dish combining tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and pasta tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep, lunches, or light dinners.
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
Base
2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini, cooled)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
1 cup cucumber, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup bell peppers, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup black olives, sliced
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Greek Dressing
3 tbsp olive oil
1½ tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente (8–10 minutes).
Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Use:
grilled chicken
baked chicken
or leftover/rotisserie chicken
Dice into small bite-sized pieces.
3. Chop the Vegetables
Finely chop everything into small pieces so the salad is evenly mixed.
4. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl whisk together:
olive oil
lemon juice
vinegar
garlic
oregano
salt & pepper
5. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl combine:
pasta
chicken
all vegetables
olives and feta
Pour dressing over and toss well.
6. Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes for best flavor, or serve immediately.
Flavor Profile
Fresh & tangy: lemon dressing
Savory: chicken & feta
Crunchy: vegetables
Hearty: pasta
Health Benefits
High protein for muscle and satiety
Healthy fats from olive oil
Fiber & vitamins from vegetables
Balanced meal for energy and recovery
Tips for Best Results
Use short pasta so dressing coats evenly
Let it sit before serving—flavor improves
Add lemon zest for extra freshness
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep (3–4 days).
Can I make it low-carb?
Replace pasta with:
chopped lettuce
cauliflower rice
Can I make it dairy-free?
Skip feta or use a plant-based alternative.
How to increase protein?
Add:
extra chicken
chickpeas
Nutritional Value
Calories 420–500 kcal
Protein 30–38 g
Carbohydrates 35–45 g
Fat 14–18 g
Fiber 4–6 g