Description
A refreshing and zesty Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad combining tender cooked chicken, al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a bright lemon-oregano dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and served chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded)
- 2 cups dry pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta work well)
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: If not using pre-cooked chicken, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-fry on stovetop until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Let it cool slightly before dicing or shredding.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Whisk or shake until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the salad and toss once more gently. Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to meld flavors before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the salad for at least an hour before serving.
- You can substitute grilled chicken with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the lemon juice and honey in the dressing to balance tanginess and sweetness to your preference.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free if desired.
