There’s something absolutely delightful about a herby lemon chicken pasta salad that just screams freshness! This dish is perfect for those warm summer days when you want something light yet satisfying, and it’s versatile enough to shine at lunch or dinner. I love serving it at my backyard gatherings, where the vibrant colors and zesty flavors make everyone smile. Trust me, once you take a bite of that tender chicken and the bright burst of lemon, you’ll be hooked! It’s a refreshing mix that’s not only delicious but also super easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe in my kitchen.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
Making this herby lemon chicken pasta salad is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every step of the process! Let’s dive right into it, shall we?
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, you’ll want to cook your pasta. I usually go for a fun shape like fusilli or penne, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand! Just follow the package instructions for cooking time—usually about 8 to 10 minutes in a pot of boiling salted water. You want it al dente, so be sure to taste it a minute or two before the suggested time. Once it’s done, drain it well, but don’t rinse it! Keeping that starchy coating helps the dressing cling beautifully.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your cooked pasta and diced chicken. I love using leftover chicken for this—it’s a great way to repurpose it! Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped parsley. The colors are just stunning, and the fresh herbs add such a lovely aroma. Give everything a gentle toss to combine, but don’t go too wild—you want to keep those tomatoes intact!
Making the Dressing
Now, let’s whip up that zesty dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I like to start with about a half teaspoon of salt and adjust to taste later. The key here is to blend it until it’s nice and emulsified—just a minute or so of vigorous whisking should do the trick! If you want it a bit more tangy, feel free to add more lemon juice. Yum!
Assembling the Salad
Alright, it’s time to bring everything together! Pour that delicious dressing over the pasta salad and toss it gently to ensure every piece is coated in that herby goodness. Once it’s all mixed up, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time is crucial—it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and you’ll be rewarded with an incredibly refreshing dish. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Tips for Success
Okay, friends, here are my top tips to ensure your herby lemon chicken pasta salad is nothing short of spectacular!
- Quality Ingredients: Always use the freshest ingredients you can find, especially the herbs and tomatoes. Fresh parsley and ripe cherry tomatoes will elevate the flavors to a whole new level!
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows all those zesty flavors to mingle and makes each bite even tastier.
- Customize to Your Liking: Feel free to play around with the ingredients. Add in some diced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch, or switch up the protein with grilled shrimp or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
- Perfect the Dressing: If you’re a lemon lover like me, don’t hesitate to add more lemon juice to the dressing. It brings such a bright, vibrant taste that pairs perfectly with the chicken and pasta.
- Make it Ahead: This salad is fantastic for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance, just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will deepen even more overnight!
With these tips, you’ll have a herby lemon chicken pasta salad that’s not only delicious but also a showstopper at any gathering!
Variations of Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
One of the best things about this herby lemon chicken pasta salad is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste or to use up what you have on hand. I love getting creative with this dish, so here are some of my favorite variations that you can try!
- Veggie Lovers: Toss in some diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even some shredded carrots for a crunchier texture and added color! You can mix and match to your heart’s content.
- Protein Swap: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp, diced grilled steak, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Each protein brings its unique flavor, making the salad your own.
- Pasta Shapes Galore: While I love using fusilli or penne, don’t be afraid to experiment with different pasta shapes! Farfalle (bowtie pasta) or even whole wheat pasta can add a fun twist to the salad.
- Add Some Cheese: Crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella can add a creamy element that complements the zesty dressing beautifully. Trust me, cheese makes everything better!
- Herb It Up: While parsley is fantastic, try mixing in fresh basil, dill, or even mint for an aromatic boost. Fresh herbs can transform the flavor profile entirely, making the salad even more refreshing.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, toss in some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. It gives the salad an exciting kick that balances the lemony goodness!
Feel free to get creative and make this herby lemon chicken pasta salad your own! The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about what flavors you love most. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this herby lemon chicken pasta salad! While I always say the best part of a dish is how it tastes, it’s nice to have an idea of what you’re eating too. Here’s an estimate of the typical nutritional values for one serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But knowing this info can help you enjoy your salad guilt-free and make it a delicious part of your balanced diet!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your herby lemon chicken pasta salad is super easy, and it can help you enjoy those delicious flavors even longer! First off, make sure to keep any leftovers in an airtight container. This will help maintain that fresh taste and prevent any unwanted odors from sneaking in from your fridge.
Your salad will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, so it’s perfect for meal prep! Just give it a gentle toss before serving, as the dressing might settle at the bottom. If you find that it’s looking a little dry after a few days, feel free to drizzle in a touch of olive oil or more lemon juice to refresh it!
Now, if you’re thinking about reheating, I recommend only doing this if you want to warm up the chicken. For the best results, gently heat just the chicken in the microwave for about 30 seconds, then let it cool a bit before mixing it back into the salad. However, I actually love this dish served cold, so I usually just enjoy it straight from the fridge! It’s so refreshing and perfect for hot days.
So go ahead, make extra, and savor those tasty leftovers throughout the week! You won’t regret it!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend making this herby lemon chicken pasta salad a day in advance. The flavors deepen and get even more delicious as they meld together in the fridge. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to serve, give it a gentle toss, and you’re good to go!
What can I substitute for chicken?
If you’re looking to switch things up or make this dish vegetarian, there are plenty of options! You could use diced tofu, chickpeas, or even grilled vegetables for a hearty alternative. Each option adds its own unique flavor and texture, so don’t hesitate to get creative based on what you have in your kitchen!
How long does the pasta salad last in the fridge?
Your herby lemon chicken pasta salad will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator. Just keep it in an airtight container, and it’ll be ready for you to enjoy as a quick lunch or dinner! If you notice that the dressing has settled, just give it a little toss before serving to bring it back to life.
For more tips on meal prep and storage, check out this meal prep guide.
Print
Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A refreshing herby lemon chicken pasta salad perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and diced chicken.
- Add cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers.
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Use grilled chicken for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: herby lemon chicken pasta salad