Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! Let me introduce my go-to recipe for Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad that never fails to brighten up my day. I love whipping this up during the warmer months when the sun is shining and I just crave something fresh and light. There’s something about that citrusy zip combined with the herby goodness that feels like a delightful hug.
I remember the first time I made this salad; I was hosting a small picnic, and everyone was raving about it! It’s so easy that it’s become a staple in my kitchen, perfect for potlucks, lunches, or even a casual dinner on the patio. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and texture, not to mention it’s as beautiful as a summer day!
What’s in Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad?
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this salad sing:
Farfalle Pasta: The fun butterfly shape adds a delightful twist to the salad. You can use any pasta you prefer, but this shape really holds the dressing well!
Cooked Chicken: I usually use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe – it’s a game changer in terms of time and flavor. You can shred or dice it, whichever you fancy.
Fresh Parsley: This beautiful herb adds freshness and a pop of color. I just love how it brightens things up.
Fresh Dill: Just like parsley, dill brings a distinct herby vibe that screams summer. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it, but I highly recommend giving it a try!
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Because cheese makes everything better! The creaminess of the Parmesan perfectly complements the zing of the lemon.
Lemon Juice: This is where the magic happens! It adds that refreshing tartness that lifts the whole salad and is the star of the show. Use about two lemons for that perfect punch.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and helps bind everything together.
Garlic Powder: For a hint of savory goodness without the fuss of chopping garlic.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the flavors. Adjust to your taste; I often find myself adding a pinch more!
Lemon Slices: These are optional but perfect for garnish and visual appeal! They make it Instagram-worthy! 🌟
Is Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad Good for You?
Absolutely! This salad is not only delicious but also provides some wonderful health benefits.
Pasta: I prefer whole-grain pasta for added fiber, which helps keep you full longer.
Chicken: Packed with lean protein, it’s great for muscle repair and maintenance.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley and Dill): These not only enhance flavor but are also loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, promoting overall health.
Lemon Juice: Rich in Vitamin C, it supports your immune system and adds that refreshing zing we love.
The only thing to keep in mind is to be cautious with the salt if you’re watching your sodium intake. Other than that? Enjoy all the goodness!
Ingredients
– 2 cups farfalle pasta (or pasta of your choice)
– 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
– 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
– Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
This recipe serves about 4, but be warned: if you’re anything like me, you might polish off half of it right away.
How to Make Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad?
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to make this delightful dish:
1. Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Once done, drain it and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped parsley, chopped dill, and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. In another small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Pour the lemon dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
5. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and garnish with additional lemon slices if you want to impress!
Serving Suggestions for a Zesty Delight!
Let’s jazz things up a notch! This Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is fantastic on its own, but feel free to customize it. Throw in some cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, add sliced olives for a savory note, or toss in some spinach for an extra pop of health.
And if you’re feeling spontaneous, you can swap the chicken for chickpeas for a vegetarian version that’s equally tasty.
I hope you give this Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad a try! It’s truly a dish that brings joy and smiles to the table. If you do, please let me know how it turns out for you – I love hearing your cooking stories! Now grab those ingredients, and let’s get to it! 🍋✨
