This lemon basil chicken pasta salad combines golden lemon pepper chicken, rotini, edamame, arugula, tomatoes, almonds, and Parmesan with a fresh lemon basil vinaigrette.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour
Servings 6people
Calories 445kcal
Author Katie G.
Ingredients
Lemon Basil Dressing
½cupolive oil
2tablespoonschampagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
1teaspoonDijon mustard
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
½cuploosely packed basil leavesthinly sliced
2clovesgarlicminced
½teaspoonkosher salt
¼teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
2 to 4tablespoonswateras needed
Lemon Pepper Chicken
2bonelessskinless chicken breasts
Kosher saltto taste
Freshly ground black pepperto taste
¼cupall-purpose flour
1tablespoonlemon pepper seasoning
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoondried basil
1tablespoonolive oil
Pasta Salad
116-ounce box rotini pasta
2ouncesbaby arugula
2cupscooked shelled edamame
1cupcherry or grape tomatoeshalved
½cupsliced or slivered almonds
½cupshredded Parmesan cheesedivided
Lemon zestfor garnish
Fresh basilfor 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.
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