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keto chicken pasta salad

Simple Keto Chicken Pasta Salad

Delicious Simple Keto Chicken Pasta Salad recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 1145 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the chicken

  • 1 lb chicken (cut into 1-inch chunks)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil (Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin)
  • 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the salad

  • 4 medium zucchini (spiralized into thin noodles)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved lengthwise)
  • 3/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced into half-moons)
  • 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
  • 14 oz canned artichoke hearts (drained and quartered)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint (chopped)
  • 3 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts

For the dressing

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Spiralize the zucchini into thin noodles and set aside on paper towels to absorb excess moisture—this prevents the salad from becoming watery. Halve the cherry tomatoes lengthwise, thinly slice the red onion into half-moons, quarter the drained artichoke hearts, and chop the fresh parsley, mint, and dill. Measure out the pine nuts and set all prepped ingredients nearby for easy assembly.
  • Cut the chicken into 1-inch chunks and toss in a bowl with 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tbsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper, and garlic powder—this seasoning builds flavor while the chicken cooks. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 30 seconds, then add the chicken and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and cooked through. I like to let the chicken develop a slight golden crust on the surface because it adds depth to the salad's overall flavor profile.
  • While the chicken cooks, combine 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tbsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a jar. Shake vigorously until emulsified and set aside—the bright acid and heat from the red pepper flakes will tie all the Mediterranean flavors together beautifully.
  • Transfer the spiralized zucchini noodles from Step 1 to a large bowl, then add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, pitted Kalamata olives, quartered artichoke hearts, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to combine all the fresh vegetables and cheese without breaking them down—I recommend using a gentle hand here so the feta stays in nice chunks rather than getting mashed.
  • Chop the cooked chicken from Step 2 into bite-sized pieces and add it to the salad bowl from Step 4. Pour the dressing from Step 3 over everything, add the chopped fresh herbs (parsley, mint, and dill) from Step 1, and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all components evenly. Top with the toasted pine nuts just before serving to maintain their crunch and add a pleasant textural contrast to the soft vegetables.