Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

A few days ago I was lamenting the cold weather, trying to wish it away and I started thinking, what better way to wish away the cold than to make a dish I would love to eat in the heat of the summer?  So, I created this Greek chicken pasta salad!  This is the perfect main dish because it has all the ingredients right there together in one bowl.  Pasta, veggies, protein and even a little cheese!  The portions are nicely sized and, at just over 500 calories for one serving, you will feel satisfied and be guilt free!  Plus, it's easily portable!  Bonus!  This could also be made vegetarian if your heart desires.  Just add some more veggies like artichoke hearts or pepperoncini peppers.  Enjoy!

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

For the salad:


14 1/2 oz. multigrain pasta (you can also use whole wheat or regular - 14 1/2 oz. was just the size of the box I bought!)
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper 
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
1/2 c. (about 24) pitted kalamata olives, halved
3 green onions, finely chopped
1 c. reduced fat crumbled feta cheese
1/2 c. roasted red peppers, diced

For the dressing:

1/3 c. extra virgin olive oil
1/3 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 t. dried oregano
1 t. salt
1/2 t. black pepper
1/4 t. garlic powder

For the salad:

Cook the pasta in well salted water according to package directions and rinse with cold water.  Place the pasta in a large bowl.  While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken into bite sized pieces.  Heat 1 T. olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat and add the chicken.  Season with salt and pepper and saute the chicken for 8-10 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.  Add the chicken to the pasta.  Add the tomatoes, cucumber, olives, green onion, feta and red peppers to the bowl with the chicken and pasta.

For the dressing:

Combine all ingredients in a container with a tight fitting lid and shake to combine.  Pour over the salad and toss well to combine.  Taste for seasoning and serve cold or at room temperature.

6 servings (535 calories each serving) according to my calculator on loseit.com