If you’re a fan of vibrant Mediterranean flavors and crave a dish that’s as satisfying as it is colorful, you’re going to adore Taziki’s Signature Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe. This recipe brings together tender grilled chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, creamy feta, and a tangy yet smooth herb dressing that bursts with freshness. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, a picnic with friends, or just want a bright and wholesome meal to enjoy any day, this salad hits all the right notes in taste, texture, and simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to contribute beautifully to the overall flavor and texture, making it both delicious and visually appealing. From fresh herbs to tangy vinegar and hearty chicken, these essentials come together in perfect harmony.
- Fresh thyme (3 Tbsp): Adds an earthy, fragrant note that lifts the entire salad.
- Minced shallot (1 Tbsp): Brings a mild onion flavor that balances the bright ingredients.
- Balsamic vinegar (½ cup): Offers a rich sweetness and a hint of acidity to the dressing.
- Juice from one lemon: Provides a fresh, zesty punch that brightens the flavors.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Smooths out the acidity and rounds the dressing’s taste.
- Dijon mustard (1 Tbsp): Gives a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing perfectly.
- Olive oil (1½ cups): Creates a smooth, luscious base that brings everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor.
- Penne pasta (1½ pounds): The sturdy shape captures the dressing and holds up beautifully with all the mix-ins.
- Grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8, cubed): Tender and smoky, they’re the hearty protein star of the dish.
- Feta cheese (3 cups, crumbled): Creamy, tangy, and slightly salty for that authentic Greek touch.
- Roma tomatoes (6, seeded and diced): Juicy bursts of sweetness and freshness.
- Fresh basil (handful, chopped): Vibrant herbal notes that bring a bright finish.
How to Make Taziki’s Signature Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions. This ensures the pasta is al dente—cooked just enough to be tender but still with a pleasant bite. Once cooked, drain it and let it cool slightly while you prepare the other components. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked pasta is the foundation of a great salad texture.
Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing
The dressing is what truly elevates this Greek Chicken Pasta Salad. Combine fresh thyme, minced shallot, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and Dijon mustard in a blender. Pulse a few times to start blending the flavors. Then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This dressing strikes the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and herbal—making every bite a delight.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, combine your cooked pasta, cubed grilled chicken breasts, crumbled feta, diced roma tomatoes, and chopped basil. Pour the freshly made dressing over the mixture and then toss everything gently but thoroughly. This ensures every strand of pasta and every piece of chicken is coated with that flavorful dressing, turning the salad into one harmonious dish.
Step 4: Serve Warm or Cold
This versatile salad is fantastic served either warm or cold depending on your mood or the occasion. Warm servings allow the flavors to mingle more deeply while cold servings keep it refreshing and perfect for warmer days or picnic outings.
How to Serve Taziki’s Signature Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra crumbled feta on top for a lovely finishing touch. A few lemon wedges on the side can also enhance the citrus brightness when served.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad, warm pita bread, or even some roasted Mediterranean vegetables. These sides complement the robust flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad ingredients in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors or serve portions in individual mason jars for a charming and practical presentation at parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Taziki’s Signature Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing because the pasta and fresh vegetables tend to lose their ideal texture when frozen and thawed.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm serving, gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, but avoid heating too long to keep the chicken tender and the cheeses intact. Otherwise, enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the dressing and ingredients, fusilli, rotini, or farfalle would also work nicely and add their own fun twist to the texture.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta is not your favorite or you want a milder option, try crumbled goat cheese or even a shredded mozzarella for a creamy, less tangy alternative.
Is it necessary to grill the chicken?
Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor, but you can also pan-sear or roast the chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook them fully and cube them before mixing into the salad.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and you can add extra veggies like cucumbers, olives, or artichoke hearts for added texture and flavor.
How long does the salad keep its best texture?
For optimal freshness and texture, enjoy the salad within 2 to 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the best of Greek-inspired cooking to your table, you really can’t go wrong with Taziki’s Signature Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that tastes like it took hours to prepare but actually comes together quickly. I highly recommend giving it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again for family, friends, or a satisfying weekday meal.
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Taziki’s Signature Greek Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Taziki’s Signature Pasta is a flavorful Greek chicken pasta salad combining tender grilled chicken, penne pasta, juicy tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese, tossed in a tangy and herbaceous balsamic-thyme dressing. This easy-to-make dish can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or light dinner.
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 3 Tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 Tbsp shallot, minced
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- Juice from one lemon
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1½ cups olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad
- 1½ pounds penne pasta
- 6–8 boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled and cubed
- 3 cups feta cheese, crumbled
- 6 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1 handful fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Make Dressing: In a blender, combine fresh thyme, minced shallot, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, and Dijon mustard. Pulse a few times to mix. While the blender is running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled and cubed chicken breasts, crumbled feta cheese, diced roma tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Serve: This salad can be served immediately while slightly warm or chilled for a cold pasta salad. Both options taste delicious and refreshing.
Notes
- Grill the chicken breasts ahead of time or use leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of dressing to taste if you prefer your pasta salad more or less saucy.
- For extra crunch, add sliced cucumbers or red onions.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days; the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
