Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- ½ colive oil
- 1 tsplemon zest
- ¼ cfresh lemon juice
- 2 tsphoney
- 1 tspdijon mustard
- 2 clovesgarlic
minced
- to tastekosher salt and black pepper
- 1 lbpenne pasta or similar pasta
- 1 lbboneless skinless chicken tenders or breasts
cooked and chopped
- 6strips bacon
cooked and chopped
- 2 ½ chalved grape tomatoes
- 3green onions
sliced
- 1 cshredded parmesan cheese
- ½ cchopped fresh basil
- to tastekosher salt and black pepper
- extra basil and parmesan cheese
for garnish
Directions
- 1
To make the dressing, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined.
- 2
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain well and transfer to large bowl.
- 3
Add the cooked chicken, bacon, tomatoes, green onions, Parmesan cheese, and basil to the pasta. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- 4
For best flavor, let the salad stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Chicken Pasta Salad
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About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any gathering? This Chicken Pasta Salad is your go-to recipe for potlucks, parties, and picnics, delivering vibrant flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
What truly sets this Chicken Pasta Salad apart is its thoughtful balance of fresh ingredients and a bright, light lemon dressing. You'll find tender chicken, savory bacon, sweet grape tomatoes, and fresh basil, all tied together with a tangy dressing infused with lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. This combination ensures a harmonious blend of flavors that's anything but bland, offering a delightful counterpoint to heavier, mayonnaise-based pasta salads.
What to Expect
Prepare for a burst of fresh flavors and satisfying textures. Each forkful of this chicken pasta salad offers chewy penne pasta mingling with succulent cooked chicken and crisp, savory bacon. The halved grape tomatoes provide a juicy sweetness, perfectly complemented by the aromatic kick of green onions and the peppery freshness of basil. A generous amount of shredded Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty depth, all coated in a zesty, slightly sweet lemon vinaigrette that keeps every ingredient vibrant and inviting. This simple pasta salad is surprisingly substantial, yet feels light, making it a wonderful addition to any meal.
Customization & Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily swap penne for another sturdy, short pasta like rotini or fusilli. For a different protein, consider grilled shrimp or even chickpeas to make it a vegetarian pasta salad. Don't have grape tomatoes? Cherry tomatoes work just as well. Feel free to add other crisp vegetables like diced cucumber or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
Serving & Context
This Chicken Pasta Salad is designed for sharing. It’s the ideal dish to bring to a summer barbecue, a family picnic, or a casual get-together with friends. Serve it as a stand-alone meal, or alongside grilled chicken or a fresh green salad. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for an appealing presentation.