If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant, and utterly satisfying dish, the Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. This salad brings together tender bowtie pasta, juicy chicken, bright cherry tomatoes, and fragrant fresh basil, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing that’s light but bursting with flavor. It’s a perfect balance of textures and tastes that’s as delightful for a casual lunch as it is for a picnic or potluck. Once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to whenever you want something both nourishing and refreshing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, honest, and each one plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this dish. Every bite promises brightness from lemon, creaminess from parmesan, and the satisfying heartiness of chicken and pasta.
- Bowtie Pasta: Its shape catches the dressing beautifully and adds a fun bite to the salad.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: A lean protein that makes this salad filling and hearty without overpowering the fresh elements.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add pops of color and freshness.
- Fresh Basil: Brings an aromatic herbal note that ties everything together.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: The star of the dressing, adding zesty brightness and a sunny flavor.
- Olive Oil: Smooth and fruity, it emulsifies the dressing and coats all the ingredients beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese: A nutty, salty finish that adds depth without heaviness.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the bowtie pasta in salted water until it’s perfectly al dente. This means tender but still with a bit of bite, so it holds up nicely in the salad without getting mushy. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it quickly and stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season your chicken breast simply with salt and pepper to let its natural flavor shine. Cook it over medium heat in a skillet until it’s golden on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Let it rest for a few minutes so the juices redistribute, then dice it into bite-sized pieces perfect for mixing into the salad.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This dressing is refreshingly light yet flavorful, coating every component perfectly without weighing the salad down.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil. Pour the lemon dressing over everything and toss gently to make sure each bite is infused with those bright, summery flavors.
Step 5: Finish and Chill
Sprinkle the salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, then give it one final gentle toss. Let the salad chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before serving so the flavors meld beautifully. This step makes a huge difference, turning it from great to wow-worthy.
How to Serve Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this salad even more, add a sprinkle of extra fresh basil leaves or some thin lemon slices on top. A little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving can add a glossy finish and richer mouthfeel that’s just irresistible.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs marvelously with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. For a summer barbecue, serve alongside grilled vegetables or corn on the cob to keep the meal light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try layering the salad in clear glass bowls or individual mason jars. This makes it a beautiful centerpiece for picnics or potlucks. You can also stuff pita pockets with this salad for a handheld, portable meal perfect for lunches on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep it chilled and enjoy within 2-3 days for the freshest taste and texture.
Freezing
Because this recipe is packed with fresh herbs and cheese, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the pasta and tomatoes will change, and fresh basil can turn bitter after thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer your chicken warm, you can heat the diced chicken separately and then toss it into the cold pasta salad just before serving. Otherwise, serve straight from the fridge for the most refreshing experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works perfectly for its shape and texture, you can swap in rotini, penne, or farfalle—just choose a type that holds the dressing well.
Is it possible to use a different protein?
Yes, feel free to substitute the chicken breast with grilled shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Each option adds a unique flavor and keeps the dish satisfying.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water right after cooking is key to stopping the cooking and removing excess starch. Also, toss the salad with the dressing just before serving or chilling to avoid sogginess.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative or nutritional yeast, and swap chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh. The lemon dressing remains a bright highlight in any version.
How long does the salad keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, the salad stays fresh for up to 3 days. Fresh basil and tomatoes start to wilt after that, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about the Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe that makes every meal feel like a sunny celebration. Whether you’re packing it for lunch or sharing with friends at your next gathering, it balances fresh, bright flavors with hearty textures in such an effortless way. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite go-to dishes!
Print
Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A light and refreshing Lemon Basil Pasta Salad featuring tender cooked chicken breast, bowtie pasta, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a quick meal or a healthy lunch, this salad combines fresh basil and Parmesan cheese to create a flavorful, vibrant dish.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 cooked chicken breasts
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from the skillet and let rest before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil. Pour the lemon dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Finish and Chill: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss lightly. Cover the salad and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled for best taste.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken with a bit of lemon juice and olive oil before cooking.
- Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent it from sticking together in the salad.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Feel free to substitute bowtie pasta with other short pasta shapes like rotini or penne.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or chickpeas for protein.
