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Lemon Chicken Artichoke Pasta Salad

Lemon Chicken Artichoke Pasta Salad

This refreshing pasta salad combines tender chicken, tangy artichoke hearts, and a zesty lemon dressing that will transform your summer meal rotation with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

For the pasta salad

  • 8 oz short pasta bow tie, penne, or rotini
  • 2 cups cooked chicken diced (rotisserie chicken works wonderfully)
  • 1 14 oz can artichoke hearts drained and quartered
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

For the lemon dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Immediately rinse under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process.
  • While the pasta cooks, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. For extra flavor depth, let this dressing sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and chopped parsley.
  • Pour the prepared lemon dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine. Add the crumbled feta cheese and fold in carefully to maintain its texture.
  • For best flavor, chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. If desired, reserve 2 tablespoons of dressing to refresh the salad just before serving.

Notes

Use gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions, swap chicken for chickpeas for a vegetarian version, or replace feta with goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Can't find artichoke hearts? Marinated roasted red peppers offer a delicious alternative with a similar texture.
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Refresh leftovers with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil to revitalize flavors.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 18gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 8mg
Keyword Pasta Salad, Chicken Salad, Artichoke Salad, Lemon Chicken, Summer Salad
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