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As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, the culinary landscape shifts towards lighter, more refreshing fare. One dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of summer is Chilled Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta. This vibrant dish blends the hearty satisfaction of pasta with the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and fresh herbs, making it an ideal choice for warm weather gatherings, picnics, or even a light lunch at home. With its colorful medley of ingredients and quick preparation time, this pasta salad not only pleases the palate but also nourishes the body, offering a wealth of vitamins and minerals.

Cold Chicken Pasta with Lemon Vinaigrette

Discover the refreshing taste of summer with this Chilled Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta! Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a light lunch, this pasta salad combines rotini pasta, juicy chicken, and vibrant seasonal vegetables, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this delightful dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Create a memorable meal that embodies the spirit of summer dining!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rotini pasta

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Lemon Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey (or agave syrup)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.

    Prepare the Chicken: If using leftover chicken, ensure it's shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces. If cooking fresh chicken, grill or sauté until fully cooked and cut into pieces.

      Make the Lemon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the lemon and honey levels to your preference for sweetness and acidity.

        Combine Ingredients: To the bowl with the pasta, add the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and basil. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the top.

          Toss and Chill: Gently toss all the ingredients until everything is well combined and coated with the vinaigrette. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

            Serve: Before serving, give the pasta a gentle toss to redistribute the vinaigrette. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve chilled.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4