This Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is a burst of fresh flavors! Tender pasta mingles with juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and a mix of vibrant herbs to make a delightful dish.
You can serve this salad warm or cold, perfect for any occasion! It’s one of my go-to meals; if only I could figure out how to grow those herbs in my kitchen! 🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is great for holding onto dressings, but you can use any pasta you like—penne, fusilli, or rotini work well too. If you’re looking for lower carbs, you could try whole grain or even spiralized zucchini!
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is a healthy choice. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver! You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken if you’re in a pinch.
Herbs: Fresh parsley and dill bring brightness to the salad. If fresh herbs aren’t available, use dried herbs—just a teaspoon each of dried parsley and dill will suffice, but fresh is always best for flavor!
Cheese: Parmesan adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, consider using pecorino Romano, which is a bit stronger, or even feta for a unique twist.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for that vibrant flavor. A bottled lemon juice can be a substitute, but it won’t have the same zing. Always opt for fresh if you can!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Pasta for a Salad?
The way you cook your pasta can really affect the texture in your salad. Always use plenty of salted water—this is your chance to season the pasta itself as it cooks. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring water to a boil, then add a generous amount of salt for flavor.
- Add your pasta and cook until al dente; it should still have a slight bite, as it will continue to soften in the salad.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will keep it from getting mushy.
Personal tip: Toss a bit of olive oil into the pasta while it cools to prevent it from sticking together!
How to Make Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz farfalle pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Lemon wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll need some time to cook the pasta and mix everything together, making it a quick and easy dish for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add a good pinch of salt to the water, then cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This stops the cooking process and makes it perfect for your salad!
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, along with the shredded chicken, chopped parsley, chopped dill, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. This creates a tasty base for your salad with lots of fresh flavors!
3. Make the Dressing:
Take a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined—that zesty dressing is going to tie the salad together!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the delicious dressing over your pasta salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. Taste it to see if it needs any extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice for your liking.
5. Finish and Serve:
Now, transfer your wonderful pasta salad into a serving bowl. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top and, if you like, add some lemon wedges for a beautiful garnish. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, whichever you prefer!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. After thawing, cook the chicken thoroughly before shredding or dicing it for the salad.
Can I Substitute Other Herbs?
Absolutely! If you don’t have parsley or dill, feel free to use other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. Just keep in mind that herbs will impart different flavors, so choose ones that you enjoy and will complement the lemony dressing.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the pasta salad starts to dry out, you can revive it by adding a splash of olive oil or lemon juice when serving again.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance; the flavors will meld beautifully. Just wait to add the Parmesan cheese until shortly before serving to keep it fresh and flavorful!
