This Easy Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is a burst of flavor! With tender chicken, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon dressing, it’s both tasty and refreshing.
This dish is perfect for a sunny day or a quick dinner. I love making a big bowl and enjoying leftovers the next day—you know, if they last that long! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Bowtie pasta (farfalle) gives a fun shape to the salad. If you don’t have it, use any short pasta like penne or rotini. Gluten-free pasta works too if you need a gluten-free option.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breasts are the main protein here. Rotisserie chicken is great for a quick fix. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
Herbs: Fresh parsley and dill add vibrancy. If you can’t find fresh herbs, dried versions work, but use less since they’re stronger. Basil or cilantro can be nice substitutions too.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds flavor. If you want it dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy. Pecorino Romano is a great substitute for a sharper flavor.
How Do I Make the Dressing Perfectly?
The dressing is key to giving your pasta salad flavor. Start with high-quality olive oil for the best taste. The lemon zest and juice provide brightness. Here’s how to get it right:
- Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic thoroughly for an emulsion.
- Season with salt and pepper, and taste as you go! Adjust the lemon juice for more zing or add a pinch of sugar if it’s too tart.
Let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the salad. This lets the flavors meld and creates a more balanced dressing.
How to Make Easy Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This bright and tasty pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy dish for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. Once it’s cooked, drain it and rinse with cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to let it cool completely.
2. Whisking the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed to create a flavorful dressing.
3. Adding the Chicken:
Now it’s time to add your cooked chicken to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything well to make sure all the chicken pieces are coated in that zesty lemony goodness!
4. Mixing in the Other Ingredients:
Next, add the chilled pasta, chopped parsley, chopped dill, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Gently toss everything together to combine, being careful not to break up the pasta too much. You want everything mixed nicely without making mush!
5. Taste and Adjust:
At this point, give your salad a taste. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or a splash more lemon juice depending on your preference. Adjusting to your taste is important here!
6. Chill the Salad:
Cover your salad and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. Serving:
Right before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. If you like, you can sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh herbs on top for a beautiful finish. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and don’t forget those lemon wedges on the side for a little extra zest when you eat!
Enjoy your bright, fresh, and herby lemon chicken pasta salad with friends and family or as a delightful personal treat! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just make sure it’s chopped into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the mix for easy eating!
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding additional veggies or chickpeas for protein. Roasted bell peppers, cucumbers, or even avocados could be great additions!
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your Easy Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving to refresh the flavors!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Of course! While bowtie pasta is fun, you can substitute it with any short pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.
