Best 5 Mediterranean Chicken And Pasta Salad Low Gi Lowfat Recipes

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Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delectable chicken and pasta salad, a symphony of fresh ingredients that caters to health-conscious individuals. This low-GI, low-fat dish strikes a perfect balance between taste and nutrition, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a wholesome and satisfying meal. Alongside the main recipe, you'll also discover variations that introduce exciting flavor profiles, including a creamy avocado dressing, a zesty lemon and herb marinade, and a tangy sun-dried tomato pesto. Each recipe offers a unique twist on the classic combination of chicken, pasta, and vegetables, ensuring that there's something to tantalize every palate.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

HEALTHY CHICKEN SALAD, MEDITERRANEAN STYLE



Healthy Chicken Salad, Mediterranean Style image

This no-mayo healthy chicken salad recipe is chunky and loaded with Mediterranean favorites like shallots, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a handful of walnuts. It's tossed in a light and bright dressing A light and zippy dressing brings it all together!

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Dinner     Salad

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 to 2 lemons
1 to 2 garlic cloves (minced)
3 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp sumac
½ tsp paprika
12 ounces cooked chicken, (shredded (Rotisserie chicken will work here) )
1 to 2 shallots (chopped)
2 celery stalks (chopped)
1 15- ounce can marinated artichoke hearts, (drained and chopped)
1 to 2 ounces sundried tomatoes (chopped)
Handful fresh Italian parsley (about 1 cup packed, chopped)
1/3 cup shelled walnuts (chopped)
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, add the dressing ingredients and whisk to combine.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, shallots, celery, artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, parsley, and walnuts. Season with a good pinch of kosher salt and black pepper.
  • Pour dressing over the chicken salad, toss to combine.
  • For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 249 kcal, Sodium 387.1 mg, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, TransFat 0.1 g, Carbohydrate 7.6 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 14.6 g, Cholesterol 36.3 mg, ServingSize 1 serving

SKINNY MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE CHICKEN AND PASTA



Skinny Mediterranean-Style Chicken and Pasta image

44% fewer calories • 76% less fat • 83% less sat fat than the original recipe. Have a few minutes? Create a taste of the Mediterranean with deliciously easy ingredients.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups uncooked multigrain penne pasta (6 oz)
2 teaspoons olive or canola oil
1 small onion, chopped (1/3 cup)
2 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cups 3/4-inch pieces cooked chicken breast
1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic no salt added diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, quartered lengthwise
3/4 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese (3 oz)

Steps:

  • In 4-quart Dutch oven, cook and drain pasta as directed on package, omitting salt. Return to Dutch oven; cover to keep warm.
  • Meanwhile, in 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. Add zucchini and garlic; cook 2 minutes. Stir in chicken, tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano and basil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender and mixture is hot. Stir in olives.
  • Pour chicken mixture over pasta. Top with feta cheese; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270, Carbohydrate 29 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fiber 4 g, Protein 23 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 540 mg, Sugar 7 g, TransFat 0 g

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN AND PASTA SALAD (LOW GI, LOWFAT)



Mediterranean Chicken and Pasta Salad (Low GI, Lowfat) image

From "The Good Carb Cookbook", posted for safe keeping. Note: Cooking time = refrigeration time. Note: 5/8 cups dressing is 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons.

Provided by Treewoman

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 2h30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomato (not packed in oil)
1/4 cup water
4 ounces rigatoni pasta or 3 cups rigatoni pasta
1 1/2 cups diced chicken breasts (roasted or grilled) or 8 ounces diced chicken breasts (roasted or grilled)
1 cup chopped canned artichoke heart (drained)
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup sliced scallion
5/8 cup low-fat Italian salad dressing (nonfat or lowfat) or 5/8 cup reduced-fat red wine vinaigrette (nonfat or lowfat)
8 cups torn romaine lettuce
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Combine the dried tomatoes and water in a small pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
  • Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cool water and drain again.
  • Put the cooked pasta in a medium sized bowl. Add the tomatoes, chicken, artichoke hearts, olive and scallions; toss to mix well. Pour 1/4 cup of the dressing over pasta mixture, and toss to mix well. Cover the pasta mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  • When ready to serve, place the romaine in a large bowl and add the pasta mixture, the remaining dressing, and, if desired, the walnuts. Toss to mix well. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss again. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 223.1, Fat 6.9, SaturatedFat 1.8, Cholesterol 31.7, Sodium 670.9, Carbohydrate 33.3, Fiber 7.4, Sugar 5.2, Protein 9.7

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN PASTA



Mediterranean Chicken Pasta image

For special days, I make this cheesy pasta bake loaded with chicken and all sorts of veggies. Want a vegetarian version? Use vegetable stock and garbanzo beans. -Liz Bellville, Havelock, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 package (12 ounces) uncooked tricolor spiral pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup julienned soft sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14 ounces) water-packed quartered artichoke hearts, drained
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves and shaved Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 4-6 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove from pot., In same pot, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add red pepper and onion; cook and stir 4-5 minutes or until onion is tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add wine, sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes, stirring to loosen browned bits from pot., Add broth and artichoke hearts; return to a boil. Stir in spinach and chicken; cook just until spinach is wilted., Drain pasta; stir into chicken mixture. Stir in feta cheese. If desired, top servings with basil and Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 357 calories, Fat 8g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 39mg cholesterol, Sodium 609mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN-PASTA SALAD



Mediterranean Chicken-Pasta Salad image

Have a few minutes? Create a taste of the Mediterranean with fewer than 8 deliciously easy ingredients.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 box Betty Crocker™ Suddenly Salad® basil pesto pasta salad mix
1/3 cup water
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups cut-up cooked chicken
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, coarsely chopped
4 oz crumbled feta cheese (1 cup)
1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained

Steps:

  • Cook pasta as directed on box. Meanwhile, in large bowl, stir together seasoning mix, cold water and oil. Add chicken; let stand while pasta is cooking.
  • Drain pasta; rinse with cold water. Shake to drain well.
  • Stir drained pasta and remaining ingredients into chicken mixture. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Cover and refrigerate any remaining salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 330, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 830 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

  • Use low-GI pasta: Low-GI pasta has a lower glycemic index, which means it releases glucose more slowly into the bloodstream, helping you feel fuller for longer.
  • Choose lean chicken: Chicken is a great source of protein and is low in fat. For a healthier option, use skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs.
  • Load up on veggies: This recipe calls for a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and bell peppers. Feel free to add other vegetables that you like, such as zucchini, broccoli, or carrots.
  • Make your own dressing: The dressing for this salad is made with a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs. You can easily adjust the flavors to your liking by adding more or less of any of the ingredients.
  • Serve chilled: This salad is best served chilled. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

This Mediterranean chicken and pasta salad is a healthy and delicious meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. It is packed with lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, and it is low in GI and fat. The dressing is light and flavorful, and it complements the salad perfectly. This recipe is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a healthy and satisfying meal, give this Mediterranean chicken and pasta salad a try.

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