Description
This creamy lemon pasta salad is a bright, easy recipe packed with tender pasta, shredded chicken, peppery greens, and a smooth citrus dressing. It is perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, meal prep, and fresh food ideas when you want something light, creamy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
12 ounces rotini pasta
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups arugula
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 clove garlic, 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. Drain well and let it cool slightly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss until the spirals are fully coated in the creamy lemon dressing.
4. Fold in the shredded chicken, arugula, and red onion gently so everything stays fresh and evenly mixed.
5. Cover and chill the pasta salad for 20 to 30 minutes so the flavors blend together.
6. Toss once more before serving, then top with extra Parmesan or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Rinse the pasta briefly with cool water only if you need to stop the cooking quickly.
Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise before serving leftovers to keep the salad creamy.
Rotisserie chicken works especially well here and saves time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Method: Boiled and Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg