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Lemon Chicken Boursin Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 142 reviews

This Lemon Chicken Boursin Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish combining tender lemon-marinated chicken with bowtie pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, herbaceous Boursin cheese dressing. Perfect for warm-weather meals or as a make-ahead lunch, this salad offers a delightful balance of zesty flavors and creamy textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Lemon Marinated Chicken

  • 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

Pasta Salad

  • 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

Creamy Boursin Dressing

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator to maximize flavor absorption.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method:
    – Grill: Preheat grill to medium heat and cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred.
    – Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Cook chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
    – Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake chicken for 18–22 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
    Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes post-cooking, then slice or cube as preferred.
  3. Prepare the Pasta Salad: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and allow it to cool slightly.
    Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together Boursin cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth and creamy dressing. Adjust seasoning and lemon juice to taste.
    In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sliced or cubed chicken, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley or basil. Drizzle the creamy Boursin dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
    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.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the lemon flavor and tenderness.
  • If using the stovetop method, ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overdone to keep it juicy.
  • Boursin cheese can be substituted with another herbed cream cheese if unavailable.
  • For a cold pasta salad, chilling improves flavor integration but can be served immediately if preferred.
  • Choose fresh herbs like parsley or basil depending on your taste preference for a brighter or more aromatic salad.

Keywords: lemon chicken pasta salad, Boursin cheese pasta salad, grilled chicken pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer pasta salad

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/lemon-chicken-boursin-pasta-salad-recipe/