Greek-Style Chicken Pasta Salad

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

Whenever I have leftover chicken breast or cooked turkey I always make this pasta salad it's a favorite in our house. I usually boil up the whole package of pasta shells, but no need to double the dressing recipe, it's enough for the whole package of pasta. Also, I always add in 2 medium chopped firm tomatoes to the salad. You will love this, it's almost like a Greek salad!

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 -3 whole cooked chicken breasts , diced
• 1 (8 ounce) package small shell pasta
• 4 -6 green onions , sliced
• 2 cups black olives , sliced
• 2 stalks celery , diced
• ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
• ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1⁄3; lb crumbled feta cheese (or more if desired)
• 4 -6 slices crumbled cooked bacon (optional)

DRESSING

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• ¾ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 2 -3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or to taste)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta as directed until al dente, careful not to overcook the pasta, just until chewy and firm, but cooked; drain well.
2. Rinse in cold water.
3. Mix together all pasta ingredients in a bowl.
4. Mix all dressing ingredients; add to pasta mixture; toss well to coat.
5. Let sit in refrigerator for 2 or more hours before serving, to blend the flavours.
6. Sprinkle more Feta cheese on top to garnish.
7. ***NOTE*** since this is a big favorite in my house, I usually just cook up the entire package of pasta, and just increase the vegetable amounts, there is really no need to double the dressing ingredients if you should use the whole package of pasta, as the salad may become oily, but by all means it may certainly be doubled if desired. The bacon is optional, I rarely add it.

Reviews

[delicatefade]

My family LOVES this salad! My DH made it on Saturday to give me a break from cooking. I was so impressed that he took the initiative to make something so fabulous ;)

[Rachie P]

very good! I grilled my chicken w/olive oil, sea salt and pepper. I found that I liked the salad better the 2nd and 3rd day after making it - I guess the longer it sets, the better the flavors blend! Thanks for a share-able recipe!

[Miss Annie]

What a wonderfully tasty, different salad. The flavors were most definately Greek-style, and they worked well. I cut this recipe in half, and it was still a lot, so I shared with my Mom. Great salad, and will be used again, especiallly in the summer when I keep cooking to a minimum. Thanks for sharing, Kitten!!!