Description
Creamy Lemon Pasta Salad is the kind of fresh, easy recipe I reach for when I want something bright, satisfying, and simple to make ahead. Tender rotini, juicy chicken, peppery arugula, red onion, Parmesan, and a silky lemon dressing come together in a bowl that works as a quick lunch, easy dinner, summer side dish, healthy-ish meal prep, and one of my favorite food ideas for busy days. If you need quick breakfast prep alternatives, easy recipe inspiration, dinner ideas, or cold pasta salad recipes that still feel hearty, this one delivers big flavor with very little fuss.
Ingredients
12 ounces rotini pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
2 cups arugula
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente according to package directions.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking, then let it drain well.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Add the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
5. Add the chicken, arugula, red onion, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Pour the creamy lemon dressing over the pasta mixture.
7. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
8. Chill the salad for 20 to 30 minutes for the best flavor.
9. Toss once more before serving and adjust with an extra squeeze of lemon juice if needed.
Notes
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor and avoid bottled juice if possible.
If the pasta salad thickens in the fridge, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 48mg
Keywords: creamy lemon pasta salad, pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, easy dinner, summer side dish, meal prep, easy recipe, food ideas, dinner ideas, cold pasta salad