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#### Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
– 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
– ½ red onion, thinly sliced
– ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
– ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
– Fresh dill and oregano, to taste
– **For the Tzatziki Sauce**:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)
– ½ cucumber, finely grated or diced
– 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh mint (optional)
– 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
– Start by marinating the chicken breasts. In a small bowl, combine **1 tablespoon olive oil**, **1 tablespoon lemon juice**, **1 teaspoon dried oregano**, **2 cloves minced garlic**, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes (or longer if you have time).
– Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
– Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. **Cook the Pasta:**
– While the chicken is grilling, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly. To avoid sticking, you can toss the pasta with a small drizzle of olive oil while it cools.
3. **Make the Tzatziki Sauce:**
– In a mixing bowl, combine the **Greek yogurt**, **grated cucumber**, **chopped dill**, **minced garlic**, and **lemon juice**. Stir well until the ingredients are evenly combined.
– Add **olive oil**, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like a stronger mint flavor, add a tablespoon of chopped fresh mint.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. The tzatziki should be creamy, tangy, and refreshing.
4. **Assemble the Salad:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled chicken, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, olives, and crumbled feta.
– Pour the tzatziki sauce over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients in the creamy dressing.
– Garnish with fresh dill and oregano for added flavor.
5. **Serve:**
– Serve the Greek Chicken Tzatziki Pasta Salad immediately, or refrigerate
it for about 30 minutes for a chilled version. The flavors will continue to meld together as it sits, making it an ideal make-ahead dish.
### Why This Greek Chicken Tzatziki Pasta Salad Is So Special
The **Greek Chicken Tzatziki Pasta Salad** brings together a combination of fresh, wholesome ingredients with bold, tangy flavors. The creamy tzatziki sauce adds a cool and refreshing touch, perfectly complementing the grilled chicken and pasta. The Mediterranean vegetables—cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and red onion—add freshness, crunch, and color, making this salad a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Additionally, this recipe offers a well-rounded balance of macronutrients. The **pasta** provides complex carbohydrates for energy, while the **chicken** offers lean protein, and the **tzatziki sauce** gives you a good dose of healthy fats from Greek yogurt and olive oil. The combination of fresh vegetables adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to round out the meal.
### Variations and Customizations
This Greek Chicken Tzatziki Pasta Salad is highly adaptable. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your dietary preferences. Here are a few variations:
– **Add more veggies**: Try adding bell peppers, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for even more flavor and texture.
– **Swap the chicken**: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, try swapping the grilled chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas for plant-based protein.
– **Use whole wheat pasta**: For a higher fiber option, opt for whole-wheat pasta or another whole grain like quinoa.
– **Make it dairy-free**: For a dairy-free option, swap the feta for a vegan cheese alternative and use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki sauce.
### Final Thoughts
The **Greek Chicken Tzatziki Pasta Salad** is the perfect Mediterranean-inspired dish that offers both flavor and nutrition in one bowl. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a light lunch, or a main course, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and satisfying textures. It’s an ideal dish for meal prep, barbecues, potlucks, and picnics. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. So why not bring a little Greek sunshine into your kitchen and try this delightful recipe today?
