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Close-up of lemon basil chicken pasta salad with golden chicken, rotini, arugula, tomatoes, edamame, almonds, and Parmesan.
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Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta Salad

This lemon basil chicken pasta salad combines golden lemon pepper chicken, rotini, edamame, arugula, tomatoes, almonds, and Parmesan with a fresh lemon basil vinaigrette.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 people
Author: Katie G.

Ingredients

Lemon Basil Dressing

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup loosely packed basil leaves thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons water as needed

Lemon Pepper Chicken

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Pasta Salad

  • 1 16-ounce box rotini pasta
  • 2 ounces baby arugula
  • 2 cups cooked shelled edamame
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup sliced or slivered almonds
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese divided
  • Lemon zest for garnish
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Make the dressing

  • Add the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper to a mason jar. Seal tightly and shake until combined.
  • Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing is easy to pour. You may not need the full amount. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Cook the chicken

  • Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create four thinner pieces. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Combine the flour, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and dried basil in a shallow bowl. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture and shake off the excess.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and the center reaches 165°F.
  • Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and let it cool. Cut into ½-inch pieces.

Assemble the pasta salad

  • Meanwhile, cook the rotini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Drain well and cool completely.
  • Add the pasta, chicken, arugula, edamame, tomatoes, almonds, and half of the Parmesan to a large bowl. Toss to combine.
  • Add the dressing gradually and toss until evenly coated. Season with additional salt and pepper, as needed.
  • Garnish with the remaining Parmesan, lemon zest, and fresh basil. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Slice the chicken into evenly sized cutlets so it cooks at the same rate.
  • Check the salt level of the lemon pepper seasoning before adding extra salt.
  • Cool and drain the pasta thoroughly before assembling.
  • Reserve some dressing to refresh the salad before serving.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended.
Want more details? Scroll up for step-by-step instructions, tips, substitutions, and make-ahead guidance.

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 431mg | Potassium: 708mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 547IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 202mg | Iron: 3mg