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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad

A vibrant, flavorful salad combining lemon, chicken, crunchy veggies, and feta cheese, perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 12 ounces dry rotini pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Seasonings
  • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonade-cut
Finishing Touches
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) Skip if dairy-free
Canned Ingredients
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Fill a large pot with water, salt it generously, and bring it to a rolling boil.
  2. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once the pasta hits al dente, drain it right away in a colander and spread it out in a large bowl to cool slightly.
Cooking Chicken
  1. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add diced chicken in a single layer and sear for 6-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden-brown.
Flavoring Chicken
  1. Add drained chickpeas and seasonings to the skillet and stir to combine.
  2. Cook for another minute and drizzle with more olive oil if needed.
Adding Garlic
  1. Add minced garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Transfer the chicken mixture to the bowl with the pasta and add chopped spinach.
  2. Toss gently to wilt the spinach slightly.
Tossing Vegetables
  1. Add diced bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and basil to the bowl.
  2. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and toss thoroughly.
Final Touches
  1. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary, then sprinkle with feta cheese before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings.