Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors. The tender chicken pairs wonderfully with the zesty lemon dressing, while the herbs like parsley and dill add a burst of freshness. The combination of pasta and Parmesan provides a comforting texture, making it a satisfying yet light meal. Whether you’re using air-fried chicken or rotisserie chicken, it’s a flexible recipe that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- Fine sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Directions
- Start by cooking the chicken. You can air fry it or use your preferred method like oven baking or stovetop cooking.
- Once the chicken is cooked, dice it into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, herbs, shallot, and Parmesan cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together to coat.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Use different herbs: While parsley and dill are fantastic, try basil or cilantro for a change of flavor.
- Swap pasta shapes: Feel free to use any pasta you have on hand—penne, fusilli, or rotini would work well.
- Add veggies: Consider adding some diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Use rotisserie chicken: For an even quicker version, substitute the homemade chicken with store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: This pasta salad is best enjoyed chilled, so no need to reheat. If you prefer it warm, you can gently heat it in the microwave, but be mindful not to overdo it.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any type of pasta will work. Just choose something that can hold the dressing well, like penne or rotini.
Can I use store-bought chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just make it in advance and store it in the fridge.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, but you can use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Can I substitute the fresh herbs?
Yes, feel free to swap in other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme based on your preference.
How long does this pasta salad last in the fridge?
It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Can I add more protein to this dish?
Definitely! You can add more chicken, or even throw in some cooked shrimp or tofu.
Do I need to cook the pasta al dente?
Yes, al dente pasta works best because it holds up better in salads.
Can I use lemon juice from a bottle?
Fresh lemon juice is best for the flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze pasta salad, as the texture of the pasta and dressing may change upon thawing.
Conclusion
Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for summer. It’s light, flavorful, and packed with fresh ingredients that everyone will love. Whether you're meal prepping or looking for a quick lunch, this pasta salad is a fantastic option that’s sure to satisfy.
Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
This Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing meal featuring tender chicken, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs. It's the perfect light yet satisfying dish for summer lunches or dinner. Easy to prepare, customizable with different herbs and pasta shapes, and perfect for meal prep, this recipe offers a delicious balance of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Salad, Main Dish, Meal Prep
- Method: Air Fry, Bake, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- Fine sea salt and fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: You can either air fry, oven bake, or stovetop cook the chicken. Once cooked, dice it into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Follow the package instructions to cook the pasta. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, diced chicken, chopped herbs, shallot, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut for quicker preparation.
- Feel free to swap the pasta shape to penne, fusilli, or rotini based on your preference.
- Add veggies like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra crunch.
- For a gluten-free version, simply swap the pasta for gluten-free alternatives.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
