Description
A vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dry rotini pasta
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed
- 1.50 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- one 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning, or as desired
- ¾ teaspoons dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, or as desired
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or as desired
- 3 to 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed
- 4 cups fresh spinach, or as desired
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced into small pieces
- 1 medium cucumber or English cucumber, diced into small pieces
- ½ medium red onion, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, chiffonade-cut
- Juice from 1 medium fresh lemon
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, optional and to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and place in a very large bowl; set aside.
- In a large skillet, add 4 tablespoons oil, chicken, and cook over medium-high heat for about 6 to 7 minutes, flipping intermittently.
- Add the chickpeas and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper; stir to combine. Cook for about 1 minute, adding more olive oil if needed.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Transfer the chicken and chickpea mixture to the large bowl with the cooked pasta.
- Add the spinach and stir to combine. It will wilt as it warms.
- Add the red bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, basil, and lemon juice; stir to combine. Adjust with more olive oil if it looks dry.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Optionally, add the feta cheese just before serving or chill the salad before serving.
Notes
- Use low sodium chickpeas for a healthier option.
- Adjust lemon pepper and seasonings according to taste preferences.
- Can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg