Souvlaki Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
🕒 Cook Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour
🥗 Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
🔑 Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Cheese, Meat, Greek, European, < 60 Mins
🍽️ Recipe Yield: Serves 4
Description:
Indulge in the Mediterranean flavors with this delightful Souvlaki Chicken Pasta Salad. Tender chicken marinated in aromatic herbs and spices, combined with savory olives, creamy feta cheese, and al dente pasta, tossed in a tangy dressing – it’s a symphony of tastes in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 garlic cloves
- 3 sun-dried tomatoes
- 4 ounces feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 8 ounces pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh oregano, for garnish
Instructions:
-
Prepare Marinade:
- In a food processor or with an immersion blender, combine canola oil, 3 garlic cloves, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually add water until the consistency resembles that of maple syrup.
-
Marinate Chicken:
- Place the chicken in a plastic bag, removing excess air to ensure proper marination.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
-
Grill Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
- Grill or broil the marinated chicken until tender and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool slightly, then chop it into bite-sized chunks.
-
Prepare Dressing:
- In a food processor or with an immersion blender, combine 6 garlic cloves, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, olive oil, canola oil, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually add water until the dressing reaches the desired consistency, similar to maple syrup.
-
Assemble Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled chicken chunks, cooked pasta, pitted olives, and fresh oregano leaves.
- Toss the ingredients together until evenly distributed.
-
Dress Salad:
- Gradually add the prepared dressing to the salad, tossing continuously until all ingredients are coated evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Souvlaki Chicken Pasta Salad with additional fresh oregano leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve immediately as a hearty main dish or a delicious side salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 1159.7
- Total Fat: 84.7g
- Saturated Fat: 10.8g
- Cholesterol: 66.3mg
- Sodium: 2849.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 71.9g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8.9g
- Protein: 31.6g
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe:
- For a twist, try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to ensure it stays juicy and tender.
- Feel free to customize the salad with additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or bell peppers.
- Prepare extra dressing and store it in the refrigerator for future use. It’s great as a marinade for grilled vegetables or as a dip for crusty bread.
- To make it a complete meal, serve the Souvlaki Chicken Pasta Salad with a side of warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce.
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Souvlaki Chicken Pasta Salad, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch. Bursting with freshness and loaded with protein, it’s a wholesome meal that will satisfy your cravings and delight your taste buds!
