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Easy Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad on a white bowl with herbs.

Easy Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad With Herbs

Light, refreshing, and effortlessly delicious, this lemon chicken pasta salad is perfect for any summer gathering, whether it’s a casual lunch or an evening feast.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Author: Deborah Rainford

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • ½ pound dried bowtie pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 ¾ cups frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 bunch of tarragon, finely chopped
  • 1 bunch of parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 bunch of mint, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup toasted flaked almonds

For the Dressing:

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice, from about 2 large lemons
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients :

  • 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
  • ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. Cook in the oven at 360°F for about 22-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy. Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding into bite-sized pieces.

Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large salad bowl.

Toast the Almonds:

  • Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

Mix the Dressing:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine the Salad:

  • To the salad bowl with the cooled pasta, add the shredded chicken, thawed peas, capers, and chopped herbs (tarragon, parsley, and mint).
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine thoroughly.

Garnish and Serve:

  • Sprinkle the toasted almonds and crumbled feta cheese over the salad before serving, if using.

Notes

  • Enhancing Flavor: Adding capers brings a nice brine touch to the salad, complementing the zesty lemon dressing. The feta cheese adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor.
  • Serving Tips: This pasta salad can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
  • Protein Options: You can also add sliced olives or sundried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 751kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 808mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 556IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 3mg
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