Lemon Chicken Boursin Pasta Salad
This Lemon Chicken Boursin Pasta Salad is packed with lemon-marinated chicken, tender bowtie pasta, crisp veggies, and a creamy Boursin and Greek yogurt dressing that’s bright, tangy, and full of flavor. It’s an easy make-ahead pasta salad that works for lunches, meal prep, or effortless weeknight dinners.
This Pasta Chicken Salad is creamy, tangy, and super flavorful thanks to the lemon-marinated chicken and that Boursin + Greek yogurt dressing.
I love that the chicken is marinated quickly for extra flavor, and then everything gets tossed together while the pasta is still slightly warm so the dressing melts into every nook and cranny.
If you’re looking to add to your pasta salad options, this one fits right in with recipes like my Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Salad With Chicken, Italian Pasta Salad, Caprese Pasta Salad, or even a classic Greek Pasta Salad, each of which can be served as a light but filling side dish or a full meal on its own, with or without your choice of protein.
They also make great meal prep salads for the week since they hold up well in the fridge and don’t require last-minute cooking or reheating, which is always a win in my book.
How to Make
Marinate and cook the chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until evenly coated.
Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving to let the flavors come together. Finish with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips and Tricks
- Marinate the chicken ahead — even 30 minutes helps, overnight is best for flavor.
- Slightly undercook the pasta so it holds its shape once chilled.
- Toss the pasta with the Boursin dressing while warm so it melts and coats evenly.
- Boursin is salty, so season at the end.
- Add parsley or basil just before serving to keep them fresh and bright.
How to Save and Store
This pasta salad keeps really well, making it perfect for meal prep or packed lunches. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
If it firms up a bit as it chills, just add a splash of lemon juice or olive oil before serving to loosen the dressing. The chicken stays tender, and the veggies keep some crunch, so it tastes just as good the next day.
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Lemon Chicken Boursin Pasta Salad
Ingredients
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 pasta (bowties)
- 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
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breast and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for best flavor.
Cook the Chicken:
- Choose your method:Grill: Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, until cooked through and lightly charred.Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.Oven: Bake at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice or cube.
Prep the Salad:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, whisk together the Boursin cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust lemon and seasoning to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving to let the flavors come together. Finish with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Any short pasta shape works here—bowties, rotini, fusilli, penne, or shells all cling well to the dressing.
- I like to warm my pasta salad to room temperature by microwaving it for 30 seconds.
- Feel free to swap Boursin flavors (like Shallot & Chive) for a twist on the dressing.
- Add-ins like olives, chickpeas, or roasted red peppers make it extra hearty.
