Learn how to make this Grilled Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad because it’s the perfect BBQ or picnic option. Full of fresh summer flavors, it will have everyone asking for seconds {or thirds}.
Just about every night during the summer, you can find us out by the grill cooking up something for dinner. Often, we make a bunch of extra grilled chicken and then use it throughout the week in salads and other recipes. It makes getting dinner ready throughout the week easy, especially since we are already there grilling dinner for that night anyway. One of our favorite recipes to make with the leftovers is Grilled Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad.
Lemon chicken tastes so fresh thanks to a combination of lemon juice and fresh garlic. It doesn’t take very long to marinate either because lemon juice works so quickly. I usually toss the chicken into the marinade while I prep the rest of the dinner items. Then, the chicken goes on the grill and cooks super fast too.
- For the Pasta Salad:
- 2 chicken breasts
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup spinach, chopped
- 3 Tbsp basil, chopped
- 16 oz cavatappi pasta
- For the Dressing:
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 Tbsp basil, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- In a large bowl, combine 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons avocado oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Whisk to combine. Add chicken and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and let cool.
- Heat grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Remove chicken from bowl and discard marinade. Place chicken on grill and cook for 5 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from grill and let cool. Cut into pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons lemon juice, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons avocado oil, minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon basil.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken pieces, bell pepper, and spinach. Pour dressing over pasta and toss to combine. Top with remaining chopped basil.
This Grilled Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad makes the perfect lunch salad or even a great item to take to your next potluck or picnic. I make it ahead, keeping the dressing separate, and then combine it whenever I am getting ready to serve it. I know you’re going to love it too!
We hope you enjoy this recipe for Grilled Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad from SoFabFood Contributor, Shannah from Just Us Four, as much as we do. If you love this simple meal idea, be sure to visit our Salads Section for even more like it. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a single healthy recipe. For daily recipe inspiration, like us on Facebook, follow us on Pinterest, and stop by our Google+ Community to see all of the amazing recipes our community members are sharing. Enjoy!
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