Name: Lemon Chicken Boursin Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast; Zest of 1 lemon; 3 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 12 oz bowtie pasta; 1 cup English cucumber, diced; 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved; ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced; ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped; 1 (5 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Herb); ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt; 2-3 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Introduction

Lemon Chicken Boursin Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for warm days or casual gatherings. Tender lemon-marinated chicken pairs beautifully with a creamy herb-infused dressing and fresh vegetables, making it a satisfying and easy meal.

A large white bowl filled with layers of food starting with a base layer of yellow bowtie pasta. On top, there are four separate sections: bright green chopped cucumber on the left, light pink chopped red onion below it, red halved grape tomatoes on the right, and several slices of cooked, light brown chicken breast above the tomatoes. In the center, there is a dollop of creamy white sauce with a smooth texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a green cloth and two wooden spoons to the left, a small white plate with halved and whole lemons above, and fresh green parsley to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
Zest of 1 lemon
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
12 oz bowtie pasta
1 cup English cucumber, diced
1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
1 (5 oz) package Boursin cheese (Garlic & Herb)
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
2–3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for best flavor.
Step 2: Cook the chicken using your preferred method: grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred; or cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked; or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or cube.
Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and let cool slightly.
Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together Boursin cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust lemon and seasoning to taste.
Step 5: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, prepared chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Step 6: Chill the pasta salad for 20–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free option, substitute the Boursin and Greek yogurt with a creamy dairy-free spread and plant-based yogurt.
Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Add toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra crunch.
Fresh herbs like dill or chives can complement or replace parsley and basil.
If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the lemon juice to your liking.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled, so reheat is not recommended. If needed, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

How to Serve

A large white bowl filled with a colorful bow tie pasta salad, showing three layers: a base layer of creamy yellow pasta, middle layer of bright red cherry tomato halves and green celery pieces, and a top layer of light pink slices of chicken mixed with fresh green parsley leaves; two smooth wooden salad servers rest on the side of the bowl, and in the background there is a smaller white bowl with the same salad and a gold fork inside it; the scene is set on a white marbled surface with a light green cloth on the left and a white plate with two halves of a lemon on the lower right; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made up to a day in advance and kept chilled. The flavors improve as they meld, but it’s best to toss the salad just before serving if possible.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is traditional here because it holds the dressing well and pairs nicely with the bite-sized chicken and vegetables. Other short pasta like rotini or penne can be used as well.