Fresh, vibrant, and simple, this Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for any summer lunch or dinner. It combines tender chicken with zesty lemon and fresh herbs, creating a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. This pasta salad is also make-ahead friendly, ensuring you have a delicious cold lunch option ready when you need it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavorful: The combination of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs adds a burst of flavor to your meal.
Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or side, this salad can accompany any summer gathering or picnic.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance for easy meal prep; it stores well in the fridge for up to four days.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from fresh vegetables and herbs.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools that simplify the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large stockpot
Air fryer (or oven)
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large stockpot: Allows you to cook pasta efficiently while ensuring it has enough space to move freely.
Air fryer: Cooks chicken quickly while keeping it juicy and tender without extra oil.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients evenly to create a balanced flavor in your salad.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 (8-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Pasta Salad

8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1/4 cup quality extra virgin olive oil
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (I used parsley & dill)
1 small shallot bulb, finely diced
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt & fresh ground black pepper to taste

How to Make Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad

Step 1: Tenderize the Chicken

Place the two chicken breasts (~8 ounces each) on a plate next to a cutting board. One at a time:
1. Place each chicken breast into a Ziploc bag or between plastic wrap.
2. Using a tenderizer or heavy pan, pound the chicken slowly until you achieve an even thickness.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Return the tenderized chicken to the plate:
1. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, mix together avocado oil (1/2 tablespoon) and lemon juice (1/2 teaspoon).
3. Drizzle this mixture over the chicken breasts, coating them evenly.
4. Season both sides with salt (1 teaspoon), black pepper (1/2 teaspoon), onion powder (1/2 teaspoon), and garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon).
5. Place the seasoned chicken in an air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Air fry at 380°F for 11-14 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking:
1. Heat about 4 quarts of water in a large stockpot over high heat.
2. Once boiling, add at least 1 tablespoon salt to season.
3. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente (about 11 minutes).
4. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Once cooled:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced chicken breast, olive oil (1/4 cup), lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped herbs, diced shallot, and parmesan cheese.
2. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve or Store

Serve immediately by transferring to a serving dish and topping with extra chopped herbs and parmesan cheese. For meal prep:
– Divide into four containers with lids.
– Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days; enjoy cold! If pasta seems dry before serving, drizzle with more olive oil.

This Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is bound to become your go-to recipe for warm weather meals!

How to Serve Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad

This Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a casual lunch or hosting a dinner party, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

As a Main Course

Serve it chilled as the star of your lunch or dinner spread.
Pair it with crusty bread for a hearty meal that satisfies.

In a Wrap

Use lettuce leaves or whole wheat wraps to create a refreshing wrap.
Add extra veggies for crunch and flavor.

On a Picnic

Pack it in portable containers for an easy picnic treat.
Include fresh fruit and nuts for a complete meal outdoors.

As Meal Prep

Divide into meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches.
Top with extra herbs just before serving to refresh flavors.

How to Perfect Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad

To ensure your Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil enhance the flavor significantly.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente to maintain its texture in the salad.
Let It Chill: Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Taste as You Go: Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference while mixing the ingredients together.
Add Freshness: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for added crunch and nutrition.
Use Leftover Chicken: Rotisserie chicken can save time while still providing great flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad can create an even more delightful meal experience. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread complements the light flavors of the salad beautifully.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella provide a refreshing contrast and additional Italian flair.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add smokiness and nutrients to round out your meal.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers sweetness and balances the savory elements of the pasta salad.
Cucumber Salad: A zesty cucumber salad adds extra crunch and a cooling effect alongside the pasta dish.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs can make this a filling feast ideal for gatherings.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa provide heartiness without overshadowing your main dish.
Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad adds texture and makes for a nutritious pairing that complements well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating a delicious Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

Bold seasoning: Skipping the seasoning on the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken well before cooking.
Bold overcooking pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions and aim for al dente for the best texture.
Bold not chilling ingredients: Using warm pasta in your salad can lead to wilted herbs and soggy textures. Ensure all ingredients are cooled before combining.
Bold ignoring ingredient ratios: Not measuring ingredients correctly can throw off the flavor balance. Use precise measurements for optimal taste.
Bold neglecting fresh herbs: Dried herbs don’t provide the same freshness as fresh ones. Always opt for fresh herbs when making this dish for vibrant flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Keep the salad chilled until ready to serve.

Freezing Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad

Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the pasta and fresh herbs.
If necessary, store without dressing and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat covered for about 15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds wonderful flavor to your salad.

How can I customize my Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad?

Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for extra crunch and color!

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal, but any short pasta like penne or fusilli will work well too.

How long does Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

This dish stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

This Herby Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Give it a try; it’s perfect for meal prep or a light summer meal!