- April 1, 2025
- 30 Minute Meals
Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
This creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish made with grilled chicken, Boursin cheese dressing, and bright lemon zest. Perfect for meal prep, entertaining, or an easy pasta dinner, it’s one of the best lemon pasta salad recipes you’ll love all year round.
If you’re looking for a delicious, refreshing pasta dish that’s easy to whip up and full of flavor, this Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad is calling your name! It’s the perfect mix of creamy and zesty, featuring juicy grilled chicken, a tangy Boursin cheese dressing, and fresh basil for that pop of green.
Whether you enjoy it warm for dinner or cold the next day for lunch, it’s one of those favorite pasta salad recipes that everyone loves. Plus, it’s packed with fresh ingredients and great for meal prep or entertaining friends on a sunny day.
Why This Recipe Works
- Bright Flavors: This lemon chicken pasta salad brings out fresh lemon zest, garlic, and herbs that brighten every bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s great for meal prep or entertaining since it can be served cold or at room temperature.
- Versatile and Easy: Use grilled or pan-seared chicken and your favorite pasta for a flexible, easy pasta salad recipe.
Supplies Needed
Before you start cooking, here’s what you’ll need:
- A large bowl for mixing your pasta salad
- A zip-top bag or shallow dish to marinate the chicken
- A grill, grill pan, or skillet
- A medium pot for boiling pasta
- A colander to drain pasta
- A meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken
- Measuring spoons and a whisk
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need, grouped by use, along with some great substitutions:
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or use chopped rotisserie chicken for a shortcut)
- Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest
- Olive oil (extra virgin olive oil or Fustini’s oils work great)
- Garlic (minced fresh or sub with garlic powder)
- Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes
Pasta Salad Base:
- Pasta of choice (like penne, bowtie, or rotini)
- Fresh basil leaves (or other fresh herbs like parsley or dill)
Creamy Lemon Dressing:
- Boursin cheese (garlic and herb flavor)
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice and zest
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Garlic (minced), black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt (to taste)
Optional add-ins:
- Red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, red bell peppers, kalamata olives, or pine nuts
Tips For Cooking Lemon Chicken
Cooking Process: Grill over medium heat or pan-sear on the stovetop until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let your chicken rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Thin it Out: Butterfly or halve your chicken breasts so they cook evenly and soak up more of that delicious lemon flavor.
Marinate Time: Let the chicken marinate in the lemon vinaigrette for at least 2 hours, but overnight gives the best results.
Let the chicken rest 15 minutes before slicing and adding to the pasta salad. This can be done in advance as well (the chicken can go in the pasta salad hot or cold).
No grill? Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat instead.
Boursin Cheese Salad Dressing
This is the creamy lemon chicken pasta magic!
In a bowl, combine the Boursin cheese, fresh lemon juice and zest, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth and creamy. This simple dressing brings a ton of flavor and ties all the ingredients together. Taste it, and add a pinch of salt or a dash of onion powder if needed.
If you love bold and creamy dressings, this one is your new favorite.
Assembling the Pasta Salad
Chill or Serve: Serve it warm for a creamy lemon chicken pasta dinner, or chill it in an airtight container to enjoy it cold the next day.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain in a colander and let cool slightly.
Mix It Up: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the creamy dressing. Add in your grilled chicken (sliced into 1-inch pieces) and fresh basil.
Toss and Taste: Mix everything together gently. Add extra parmesan cheese, black pepper, or garlic powder for more flavor if desired.
Expert Tips
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. This makes it a great option for lunch or dinner during the week.
- Switch It Up: No Boursin? Use cream cheese mixed with Italian seasoning or a spoonful of dijon mustard for a tangy twist.
- Add Veggies: Toss in fresh vegetables like red bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
- Reheating Tip: Warm leftovers in the microwave for about a minute. The cheese melts into a creamy lemon sauce!
What To Serve With It
This lemon chicken pasta salad is a full meal on its own, but here are a few great options to serve on the side:
- A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette or red wine vinegar dressing
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers
- A loaf of crusty bread or homemade garlic knots
- End the meal with homemade chocolate chip cookies for a sweet treat!
This dish is perfect for easy entertaining, make-ahead apps, or a quick pasta dinner that feels special. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just planning your weekly meal prep, this lemon chicken pasta is packed with bright flavors and good-for-you ingredients like lean meat and fresh herbs. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in a little vitamin C and dietary fiber!
More Recipes To Try
Creamy Southwestern Pasta Salad
Grilled Elote Pasta Salad Recipe
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts butterflied or halved
- 8 oz. Pasta short cut
- 1/2 cup Fresh Basil chiffonade
Chicken Marinade
- 1 Lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes
Dressing Base
- 5.2 oz. Package of Boursin Cheese garlic and herb flavor
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix the marinade ingredients together and place in a bag or shallow dish. Halve or butterfly the chicken breasts to create thinner pieces for even cooking and better marinating. Place the chicken into the marinade and the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Chicken Cooking Instructions: Preheat a grill to medium high heat. Grill each chicken breast directly over the flame, about 3 minutes per side. You can also pan sear this in a cast iron or traditional skillet on the stove if desired. The chicken should easily lift from the grate when ready to flip. Continue to cook and flip the chicken two times in total or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing into pieces for the pasta salad.
- Boursin Cheese Dressing: In a bowl, add the Boursin cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice/zest. Mix in the parmesan cheese, garlic, and seasonings. Whisk to fully combine and taste to add any additional salt (if needed). Set it aside.
- Cook the pasta of choice according to the package directions. Drain in a colander and shake to dry.
- Add the pasta to a large bowl and add the dressing, coating the pasta fully. Then, mix in the diced grilled chicken and fresh basil.
- Taste Test: Check to see if the pasta needs additional seasonings or parmesan cheese and adjust as needed. Serve immediately or store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.