Description
This Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is a refreshing and light dish perfect for warm days or as a healthy meal prep option. Combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, fresh cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fragrant parsley, it’s tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing for a vibrant burst of flavor. Chilled before serving, this salad is easy to prepare, nutritious, and bursting with fresh, herby goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 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
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and diced chicken evenly.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Mix in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley to the bowl.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is coated evenly.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and serve chilled for best taste.
Notes
- Use any short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli for best texture.
- Feel free to swap chicken with turkey or a plant-based protein for variation.
- Adjust the lemon juice and seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or feta cheese for added texture and flavor, if desired.
