This Easy Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish that brings together tasty chicken, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon. It’s perfect for a warm day or a picnic!
The best part? It’s a breeze to make! Just cook the pasta, mix in the chicken, and toss everything together with a splash of lemon juice. Dinner sorted in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle (bowtie pasta) adds a fun shape and texture. If you don’t have it, any other pasta like penne or fusilli will work well. Just make sure to cook it to al dente for the best bite!
Chicken: I love using cooked chicken breast for convenience and flavor. You can easily swap this for rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken if you’re in a hurry. Just make sure it’s well-drained if you go canned!
Herbs: Fresh parsley and dill bring brightness to the dish. If you can’t find them or want something different, try basil or cilantro for a twist. You can use dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available, but reduce the amount by about a third!
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are key for flavor. If you’re out of lemons, you could use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is always best. Lime can also be a fun substitute for a different citrus flavor!
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds creaminess and depth. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or skip it entirely for a lighter dish!
How Do You Make Sure Your Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta just right is vital for a great pasta salad. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. This helps prevent sticking.
- Cook the farfalle according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Taste a piece a minute or two before the time is up to check for doneness.
- Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
This method ensures your pasta stays firm and doesn’t turn mushy in the salad. Enjoy crafting your delicious dish!
Easy Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad comes together quickly! You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and another 10 minutes for cooking the pasta, making it a total of about 20 minutes from start to finish. If you prefer to let the flavors meld, chilling it in the fridge for 30 minutes is recommended, but it’s just as tasty served right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set it aside.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This will create a bright and flavorful dressing that will coat the pasta and chicken beautifully.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now that your pasta is cool, add it to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together gently so that the pasta is well-coated with the dressing.
4. Add Chicken and Herbs:
Next, fold in the cooked chicken breast, chopped parsley, and dill. Be gentle to keep the pasta intact. This is where your salad really starts to come together!
5. Finish with Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad and toss gently again. This adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to your dish.
6. Season and Serve:
Taste your pasta salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You can serve it right away or pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld even more. Right before serving, feel free to garnish with some extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges for that beautiful touch!
Enjoy your refreshing and delightful Easy Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is a great choice for its fun shape, you can easily substitute it with other pasta types like rotini, penne, or fusilli. Just make sure to cook it according to package instructions for the best results!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving, as the dressing may settle. If it looks a bit dry, you can add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh it!
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian! Just omit the chicken and add some chickpeas or roasted vegetables for protein. You might also like to add extra cheese for flavor!
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and mix in the cheese right before serving to keep it fresh. It’s even tastier as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld!
