Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad: A Mediterranean Classic Recipe
This refreshing Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender poached chicken, al dente pasta, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side, it combines fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a tangy dressing for a bright, flavorful, and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Poaching and Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz elbow pasta (or any short pasta)
Dressing and Seasoning
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Zest and juice of 2 large lemons (about 1/3 cup juice)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 2 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil while still warm to help the pasta absorb the vinaigrette flavors later.
- Poach the Chicken: In a separate pot, simmer 2 cups of water with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 minced garlic clove. Add the chicken breasts and poach gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and let cool, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, the remaining minced garlic, chopped parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the warm pasta, diced chicken, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onion. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the mixture and gently toss to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to sit for about 5 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend together beautifully and the dish can be served slightly warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Poaching the chicken keeps it moist and tender compared to grilling or baking.
- You can substitute elbow pasta with other short pasta shapes like rotini or penne.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add chickpeas or grilled tofu.
- This salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled according to your preference.
- Make sure to toss the warm pasta with olive oil immediately after cooking to prevent sticking.
Keywords: lemon chicken pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, lemon vinaigrette, poached chicken recipes, healthy pasta salad
