I'll let you in on a little secret: I don't really like pasta salad. This one is different. I don't just like it, I LOVE it. In our lemon tarragon pasta salad there's bow tie pasta mixed with chicken, red grapes, almonds, celery and green onion, then tossed with a to-die-for lemon tarragon dressing that is so full of flavor you'll want to drink it! I think it's pasta salad perfection!
Easy summer pasta salad
This salad only has 5 ingredients! It's got just the right amount of crunch meets sweet and tangy. There’s even protein. And, it’s not too heavy. Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad is the new answer to "What's for dinner?" Or, "What's for lunch?" or just "What can I make that's going to be a big hit?"
Perfect Summer Salad
This is a great summer salad. It's cold, delicious and refreshing! But honestly, we like this salad so much, we make it anytime of the year. The ingredients are available all year long.
Take a short cut with rotisserie chicken
For a short cut, consider using rotisserie chicken and sliced almonds in the salad. There's not a lot of prep time, so this recipe is quick to put together. Chop the celery and green onions, slice your grapes in half (or leave them whole), then cook your pasta.
The best dressing ...
Finally, you mix together that divine dressing--it's smooth as can be with lovey tarragon and fresh lemon. Blend it all and: voila-- your own Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad! For the best taste, refrigerate the salad three to four hours or overnight to give the flavors a chance to combine.
Presentation tip
Here's a quick tip: For a more attractive presentation, reserve one cup of ingredients without dressing to sprinkle on top of the salad prior to serving. This will give your guests a preview of what's really inside and show your ingredients in the best light.
Enjoy!
Dianna
You Might Also Enjoy these other BBQ Favorites:
- Palm Heart Salad with Tarragon Dijon Vinaigrette
- Watermelon Basil and Feta Salad
- Blackberry Sherbet
- Corn, Tomato & Avocado Salad
- Best Broccoli Salad
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Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound 16 ounces bow tie pasta (Farfalle)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken breasts skin removed, cubed (or cook 2 large chicken breasts)
- 3 cup red grapes
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 bunch green onions green part only, thinly sliced
- 1 cup celery sliced
For the Dressing
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- juice and zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh Tarragon leaves chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain water off and seta side.
- Mix the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
- Combine pasta, chicken, grapes, almonds, green onions and celery in a large bowl.Gently stir dressing into bowl of ingredients.
- Let flavors combine for 3-4 hours or overnight. Gently toss salad before serving.
Nutrition
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Originally Posted August 8, 2018
I made this recipe tonight and it was delicious. Definitely will make it again and I know it will be one of those recipes that make me famous! I added tiny broccoli crowns, red pepper and grated carrots because I had them and we loved the crunch. I think it would be fabulous anyway you made it. It is a winner!
I made this recipe for an Open House I was hosting and people loved it with many requesting the recipe. It was delicious! I was a little skeptical at first because I do not like pasta salad and I don't like salads with a mayo base, but this salad was a winner! I will make it again for sure!
Can I use dry tarragon
Hi Tammy, the fresh tarragon have. Better flavor, but you can used dried in a pinch. Since the dried tarragon is more potent than the fresh you’ll need to reduce the amount you use. For this recipe, I would start with 2 teaspoons of dried tarragon and taste it before adding more. You may want as much as 4 teaspoons of dried tarragon.
- Alyssa
I made a pasta salad with the dressing today and it was a hit at a family barbecue. I added differnt veggies - red onion, red pepper, red, yellow and purple heirloom mini tomoatoes - and decorated it with sliced hard boiled eggs, no chicken.
Thanks, Diana! The flavor of the lemon and tarragon made for a refreshing and unique flavor.
I've had this pasta salad and it is every bit as delicious and heavenly as Di describes! Truly a must try, especially if you don't like pasta salad!
I made this dressing as soon as I read it because I had all the ingredients . It is so delicious, I might drink it! I’m making the pasta salad this weekend. Thanks for the idea!
I don’t really like pasta salad either but I’m going to give this a try!
I feel so lucky, as should all your followers, to have you share your delicious recipes with us! I’ve been the guest when you’ve catered or hosted dinners at your home. Everything you make is delicious! I can't wait to try this salad!