Greek Chicken Pasta Salad with Crispy Feta “Crouton” Balls 🧀🍗✨
Ingredients:
• For the Greek Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Pasta Salad:
• 1 cup farfalle pasta (or your preferred pasta)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (red or yellow)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Crispy Feta “Crouton” Balls:
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
• For the Creamy Oregano Vinaigrette:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Make the Greek Chicken:
• In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this marinade over the chicken breasts and let them sit for 15-20 minutes.
• Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest before slicing it into thin strips.
2. Make the Pasta Salad:
• Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced bell peppers. Toss to combine.
3. Make the Crispy Feta “Crouton” Balls:
• In a bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, flour, egg, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
• Shape the mixture into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter) and coat each ball in breadcrumbs.
• Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the feta balls for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain.
4. Make the Creamy Oregano Vinaigrette:
• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
5. Assemble the Salad:
• In each bowl, start with a base of pasta salad.
• Top with sliced grilled Greek chicken and crispy feta “croutons.”
• Drizzle with the creamy oregano vinaigrette and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
6. Serve:
• Serve immediately for a fresh, flavorful, and indulgent meal that’s both crunchy and satisfying!
Servings: 4
Calories: Approx. 500-600 per serving (depending on portion sizes and toppings)
This Greek Chicken Pasta Salad with Crispy Feta “Crouton” Balls combines savory Greek flavors with crispy feta balls, offering a unique and delicious twist on a classic salad. The creamy oregano vinaigrette perfectly ties everything together for a well-rounded meal! 🧀🍗✨