This Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is bright and fresh! It’s packed with tender chicken, zesty lemon, and lots of tasty herbs, making it a perfect dish for a sunny day.
I love how quick and easy this salad is to whip up. It’s great for lunch, and honestly, who can resist a bowl filled with yummy pasta and chicken? Bring on the second servings! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle adds a fun shape, but you can use any pasta like penne or rotini. Gluten-free pasta works well too if you need a gluten-free option!
Chicken: I like using leftover rotisserie chicken for its flavor and ease. You could also use canned chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Herbs: Fresh parsley and dill add a bright flavor. If you don’t have these on hand, try basil or cilantro. Dried herbs can work too, but use less since they’re more concentrated.
Lemon: Fresh lemon zest and juice really elevate the dish. If lemon is out, lime can be a good alternative for a slightly different twist.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for its rich taste. If you want a lighter option, you can use avocado oil or any light cooking oil.
How Do You Cook Pasta Perfectly for a Salad?
Cooking pasta right ensures a great texture for your salad. Here are the steps to follow:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt enhances flavor.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to it.
- Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water immediately. This stops the cooking process and cools it down for the salad.
- Set aside to let excess water drain completely before mixing into the salad.
Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz farfalle pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing:
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad can be whipped up in about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll need an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the refrigerator, allowing all those lovely flavors to come together. Overall, it’s a quick and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain it and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will keep the pasta from getting mushy in the salad. Set the cooled pasta aside for later.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, fresh parsley, fresh dill, and grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together nicely.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine and Toss:
Pour the lemon dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that all the flavors coat the pasta and veggies. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover your salad bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, scoop out the salad into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if you like. Enjoy your refreshing dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle gives a lovely texture, you can use any pasta shape you prefer such as fusilli, penne, or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose, following the package instructions.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Herbs?
If you don’t have fresh parsley or dill on hand, you can use dried herbs instead. Generally, use one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. So, for this recipe, about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley and 1 tablespoon of dried dill would work nicely. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier! Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! You can make it up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and it will be ready to enjoy for lunch or dinner. If it seems a bit dry when serving, drizzle a little extra olive oil or squeeze fresh lemon juice to freshen it up.
