What pasta is best for pasta salad?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, penne, farfalle (bow ties), or fusilli work best for pasta salad. They hold the dressing and other ingredients well.

How long does lemon herb chicken pasta salad last?

Lemon herb chicken pasta salad will typically last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

What are some good variations for lemon herb chicken pasta salad?

You can customize your lemon herb chicken pasta salad with additions like sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, red onion, bell peppers, spinach, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Different herbs like dill or tarragon can also be incorporated.

Can I make lemon herb chicken pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, lemon herb chicken pasta salad is a great make-ahead dish. In fact, the flavors often meld together even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator.

What kind of chicken should I use?

You can use grilled chicken, roasted chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for your lemon herb chicken pasta salad. Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly!

How do I prevent pasta salad from drying out?

To prevent your pasta salad from drying out, toss the cooked pasta with a little olive oil immediately after draining. Also, consider adding a bit more dressing than you think you need, as the pasta will absorb some of it over time. You can always add a little more dressing before serving if needed.

Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Salad: Your No-Stress Summer Meal Solution 2026

Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Salad

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A vibrant, make-ahead salad perfect for summer. It features tender, herb-marinated chicken tossed with pasta, fresh vegetables, and a bright lemon dressing. This dish is a complete, satisfying meal that tastes even better the next day.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 45min
Cook Time: 25min
Total Time: 1h 10min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: lunch
Method: grilling, boiling
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 oz short pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 English cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Marinate the chicken. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat thoroughly. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 4 hours.
Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly with cool water, and let drain completely.
Cook the chicken. Grill, pan-sear, or bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then dice or shred.
Assemble the salad. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley. Toss gently. Sprinkle feta cheese over top if using.
Dress and rest. Pour any remaining marinade from the chicken bowl over the salad as dressing. Toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For best texture, rinse the cooked pasta with cool water and let the chicken cool completely before adding to the salad. The salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For a dairy-free version, omit the feta. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 520
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 850
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 5
Unsaturated Fat: 15
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 48
Fiber: 3
Protein: 35
Cholesterol: 80

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/lemon-herb-chicken-pasta-salad/