Chicken Pasta Salad with Lemon Parmesan Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish perfect for warm days or as a hearty side. Tender grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon parmesan dressing come together for a refreshing and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Pasta
• 2 large Chicken Breast
• 1 Cucumber
• 8 oz Cherry Tomatoes
• 1 Red Onion
• 1 Red bell pepper
• 1 Green or yellow Bell Pepper
• 1/4 cup Chopped Parsley
• 2 sprigs Green onion
• 1.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/2 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of a Lemon (about 3-4 tablespoons)
• 1.5 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3 Garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 teaspoons Honey or maple syrup
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
• 3/4 teaspoon Salt (for dressing)
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper (for dressing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the lemon parmesan dressing by combining olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a jar. Close the lid and shake well until the mixture is creamy. For a smoother texture, use a milk frother or blender.
2. Step 2: Prepare the chicken by pounding the breasts to an even thickness with a meat tenderizer. Season both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Cook the chicken on a grill pan over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Cover the cooked chicken with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into bite-sized chunks.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
5. Step 5: In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced cucumber, chopped bell peppers, sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and green onion.
6. Step 6: Add the grilled chicken pieces to the bowl, pour in the lemon parmesan dressing to taste, and toss everything gently to combine.
7. Step 7: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in some of the dressing for 30 minutes before grilling.
• Feel free to swap out the bell peppers or add olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce the amount of olive oil or Parmesan.
• Use rotisserie chicken as a quick shortcut for grilling chicken breast.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. Reheat is not recommended; serve cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle works well in this salad.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water and toss it lightly with a small amount of olive oil to keep it separated.

Chicken Pasta Salad with Lemon Parmesan Dressing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 99 reviews

This vibrant Chicken Pasta Salad combines perfectly grilled chicken breast with al dente pasta and crisp, fresh vegetables, all tossed in a creamy, tangy lemon Parmesan dressing. It’s a refreshing and satisfying meal ideal for warm weather or as a delightful lunch or dinner option.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad

• 1 pound Pasta
• 2 large Chicken Breast
• 1 Cucumber, chopped
• 8 oz Cherry Tomatoes, halved
• 1 Red Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 Green or yellow Bell Pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup Chopped Parsley
• 2 sprigs Green onion, chopped

Seasoning for Chicken

• 1.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper

Lemon Parmesan Dressing

• 1/2 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of a Lemon (about 3-4 tablespoons)
• 1.5 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons Honey or maple syrup
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 3/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper

Instructions

1. Make Lemon Parmesan Dressing: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a jar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is creamy and emulsified. A milk frother can be used for a smoother texture.
2. Prepare and Season Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat tenderiser to ensure uniform cooking. Season both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill Chicken: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked and grill marks develop. Remove the chicken and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes to retain juices and enhance tenderness.
4. Prepare Salad Base: While the chicken is resting, in a large salad bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped cucumber, diced red and green/yellow bell peppers, sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and green onions.
5. Assemble Salad: Cut the rested grilled chicken into small chunks and add them to the salad bowl. Pour the prepared lemon Parmesan dressing over the ingredients according to taste. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat all components with the dressing.
6. Serve: Transfer to serving bowls or plates and enjoy this refreshing, flavorful chicken pasta salad immediately or chilled.

Notes

• For best results, use freshly grilled chicken with even thickness for juicy pieces.
• You can substitute pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free varieties as desired.
• The dressing can be adjusted for sweetness or acidity by varying honey and lemon juice.
• Make sure to let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it moist.
• This salad serves well chilled and can be prepared ahead for meal prep.

Keywords: Chicken pasta salad, grilled chicken, lemon Parmesan dressing, healthy pasta salad, summer salad, easy chicken recipe