Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

Instructions

1. 1.

   Start by removing the zest from one lemon. Set the zest aside. Squeeze the juice from the lemon into a separate bowl. You’ll need at least 1/4 cup of juice.

2. 2.

   Prepare the mixture that will be used for both the dressing and the marinade. Mince two cloves of garlic and combine them in a bowl with 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 Tbsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, some freshly cracked pepper, and a pinch of that lemon zest. Whisk with a fork until well combined.

3. 3.

   Add two boneless, skinless chicken thighs to a zip-lock bag and add half of that dressing, plus one more clove of minced garlic. Squeeze out all the air, give the bag a quick massage to distribute the marinade, then refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.

4. 4.

   While the chicken is marinating, cook 8 oz. of pasta (any shape) according to the package directions. Drain the pasta in a colander and let it cool.

5. 5.

   Heat a skillet over medium flame, and once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs. Cook the thighs on each side until well browned and cooked through (about five minutes each side). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes, then chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces.

6. 6.

   While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rest of the vegetables. Dice 1/2 cucumber (1.5 cups diced), dice the bell pepper, slice the tomatoes in half (or dice if using Roma or regular tomatoes), slice 1/4 cup of olives in half, and give 1/4 bunch parsley a rough chop.

7. 7.

   Finally, place the cooked, drained, and cooled pasta in a large bowl. Top the pasta with the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, parsley, and chopped chicken. Crumble 2 oz. feta over everything and add one last pinch of lemon zest. Pour the remaining dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated in dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

Misc.

Notes

• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. The dressing may need to be refreshed before serving.

• Flexible recipe: add or substitute vegetables as desired.