Who doesn’t love a good pasta salad?
And when you mix in juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and a medley of fresh vegetables, you’ve got a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
This Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is a flavor-packed, refreshing, and nutritious dish that you’ll look forward to making and eating again and again.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, lemon chicken pasta salad is your go-to.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment of Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad:
- On a Bed of Greens: Serve the pasta salad on a bed of fresh mixed greens or baby spinach for added crunch and nutrition.
- With Crusty Bread: Pair the salad with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious dressing.
- As a Side Dish: Serve the salad alongside grilled meats, such as steak, pork chops, or fish, for a well-rounded meal.
- In a Wrap: Use the pasta salad as a filling for a wrap or pita pocket, adding some extra lettuce or spinach for a convenient and portable meal.
- With Soup: Pair the salad with a light soup, such as tomato basil or minestrone, for a comforting and balanced lunch or dinner.
- Topped with Avocado: Add slices of fresh avocado on top of the salad for a creamy texture and additional healthy fats.
- Sprinkled with Nuts: Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- With a Lemon Wedge: Serve with a lemon wedge on the side for an extra burst of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavors just before eating.
- Family Style: Serve the salad in a large bowl at the center of the table for a family-style meal, allowing everyone to help themselves.
- At a Picnic: Pack the pasta salad in individual containers for an easy and refreshing picnic meal. It travels well and is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
These serving suggestions will help you enjoy your Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad in a variety of delicious ways. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips
Here are some cooking tips to help you make the best Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad:
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, especially after it absorbs some of the dressing.
- Season the Pasta Water: Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water before adding the pasta. This will enhance the flavor of the pasta itself.
- Cool Pasta Quickly: After draining the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This helps maintain its texture and prevents it from sticking together.
- Evenly Cook Chicken: If cooking fresh chicken, ensure it’s cooked evenly by flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. You can use a meat mallet or rolling pin to do this.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing or shredding it. This helps retain its juices and keeps the chicken moist.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice in the dressing. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t have the same brightness and can taste more acidic.
- Balance the Dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more honey for sweetness, more mustard for tang, or more lemon juice for extra zest.
- Toss Gently: When mixing the salad, toss the ingredients gently to avoid breaking the pasta or squashing the vegetables. This helps maintain a nice texture and appearance.
- Chill Before Serving: For a more refreshing salad, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This also allows the flavors to meld together.
- Add Dressing Gradually: When adding the dressing, do it gradually and toss the salad after each addition. This ensures the salad is evenly coated without becoming too soggy.
- Fresh Herbs Last: If using fresh parsley or other herbs, add them just before serving to keep their color and flavor vibrant.
- Customize: Don’t be afraid to customize the salad. You can add or substitute ingredients based on your preference, such as adding avocado, bell peppers, or substituting feta with goat cheese.
Following these tips will help you create a Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad that is not only delicious but also visually appealing and perfectly textured.
Enjoy your cooking!
Recipe FAQ’s
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta al dente and rinse it with cold water immediately after draining. This stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta firm.
What other herbs can I use besides parsley and basil?
Dill, cilantro, or mint can also be great additions, providing different flavor profiles that complement the lemon chicken.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Just store the dressing separately and mix it in before eating to keep the salad fresh and flavorful.
Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
Enjoy your refreshing and delicious Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad, perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for any gathering!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced or shredded
- 2 cups dry pasta penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta work well
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
- ¼ cup feta cheese crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:If not using pre-cooked chicken, cook the chicken breasts by seasoning them with salt and pepper and grilling or pan-frying until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Let the chicken cool slightly before dicing or shredding it.
- Make the Dressing:In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Whisk or shake until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad:In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Finish and Serve:Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the salad and give it one last gentle toss.Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.