If you are looking for a bright and refreshing dish that sings with vibrant flavors, the Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This pasta salad combines the zestiness of lemon with the unique, slightly sweet and anise-like aroma of tarragon, creating a lively dressing that perfectly coats tender bow tie pasta. With the sweetness of red grapes, the freshness of asparagus, and the hearty addition of rotisserie chicken, every bite bursts with a delightful medley of textures and tastes. It is a joyous celebration of fresh ingredients coming together in a simple yet unforgettable summer salad that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is like assembling a dream team for your taste buds. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing creaminess, tang, sweetness, and crunch, making this Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe truly shine.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base that binds all the flavors beautifully.
- Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and silkiness to the dressing.
- Lemon Zest: Infuses the salad with fresh citrus aroma and brightness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Enhances the zesty punch and balances richness.
- Dried Tarragon: Brings that signature sweet, anise-like herbal note.
- Bow Tie Pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto dressing and salad ingredients.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all natural flavors.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the pasta silky and prevents sticking.
- Green Onions: Adds a gentle onion crunch and mild pungency.
- Asparagus Spears: Roasted or steamed for tender green freshness and snap.
- Red Seedless Grapes: Offer bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.
- Rotisserie Chicken Meat: A savory and satisfying protein to make the salad hearty.
- Black Pepper: For a finishing layer of gentle spice and warmth.
How to Make Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Salt the water generously until it tastes like the ocean to ensure the pasta is well seasoned from within. Add the bow tie pasta and cook until just al dente so it remains tender yet resilient. Drain the pasta, then transfer it to a spacious bowl and drizzle about half a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss it gently—this little step keeps your pasta from clumping together and sets the foundation for an ideal salad texture.
Step 2: Combine Fresh Veggies and Chicken
Once your pasta has cooled slightly, stir in bright green onions, tender asparagus pieces, sweet halved grapes, and finely chopped rotisserie chicken. The colorful medley adds varied textures and flavors, balancing richness with freshness and sweetness. Cover this mixture and pop it into the fridge for at least three hours; chilling allows these flavors to marry and develop beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Lemony Tarragon Dressing
While the pasta mixture chills, prepare the star component of this recipe—the creamy, zesty dressing. In a medium bowl or container with a lid, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lemon zest, a splash of lemon juice, and fragrant dried tarragon. Seal it and refrigerate alongside your pasta salad for at least three hours. This resting time deepens the flavor profile, allowing the lemon and tarragon to fully infuse every creamy bite.
Step 4: Toss and Season to Finish
When you’re ready to serve, retrieve both mixtures from the fridge. Pour the luscious lemon-tarragon dressing over the pasta salad and fold everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece is evenly dressed. Taste and then adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. This final step guarantees a perfectly balanced dish that’s fresh, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh tarragon leaves or a light dusting of lemon zest sprinkled on top can elevate this pasta salad visually and aromatically. For a bit of crunch, chopped toasted almonds or sunflower seeds add a wonderful textural contrast that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe shines as a stand-alone dish but also beautifully complements grilled seafood, roasted chicken, or a fresh green garden salad. Its bright tang and creamy texture provide a lovely counterpoint to smoky or charred mains, making your meal feel balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, serve this salad in individual mason jars layered with extra grapes or asparagus on top, offering guests a stunning presentation that’s both practical and pretty. Alternatively, use colorful ceramic bowls to bring out the salad’s vibrant hues and invite everyone to dig in with enthusiasm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because of its creamy dressing, this salad stores best in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or easy lunches.
Freezing
Freezing this Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe is not recommended. The creamy dressing and fresh vegetables can separate or become mushy after thawing, altering the lovely texture you want to enjoy.
Reheating
This pasta salad is traditionally served cold or at room temperature. If preferred, let leftovers sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off, but avoid warming it up as heat can diminish the salad’s fresh appeal.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh tarragon for dried?
Yes, fresh tarragon can be used instead of dried, but since fresh herbs are more delicate, you’ll want to use about three times the amount. Add fresh tarragon closer to serving to retain its bright, lively flavor.
What type of pasta works best in this salad?
Bow tie (farfalle) pasta is ideal because its shape holds onto the creamy dressing well, but you can also use rotini or penne for similar results. Avoid very thin noodles as they won’t provide enough texture.
Is this salad suitable for a crowd?
Absolutely! The recipe yields about 12 servings, making it perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or potlucks. It’s easy to multiply for larger groups too.
Can I make this salad vegan?
With some ingredient swaps—such as vegan mayonnaise and sour cream—you can create a vegan-friendly version. Omit the chicken or replace it with chickpeas or grilled tofu for protein.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can prepare and refrigerate this salad up to a day ahead. The flavors blend wonderfully when given time, but to preserve fresh textures, add delicate ingredients like grapes shortly before serving if possible.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings a smile with every forkful. Its lush combination of creamy, tangy, fresh, and savory elements makes it an instant classic on any table. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick lunch, a picnic favorite, or a vibrant side dish at dinner, I hope you have as much fun making and sharing it as I do. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love all over again with a salad that’s anything but ordinary!
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Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad featuring bow tie pasta, roasted asparagus, juicy grapes, and rotisserie chicken, all tossed in a zesty lemon-tarragon creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or picnic, this make-ahead salad blends bright citrus flavors with aromatic herbs for a deliciously satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 1 pound bow tie pasta
- Salt, to taste
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 12 asparagus spears, roasted or steamed and chopped
- 2 cups red seedless grapes, halved
- 2 cups meat from a rotisserie chicken, chopped
Dressing
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 5 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 large lemons)
- Juice of half a large lemon (2–3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons dried tarragon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding enough salt until the water tastes like the ocean. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly, transfer it to a large bowl, and stir in approximately half a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the chopped green onions, roasted or steamed chopped asparagus, halved grapes, and chopped rotisserie chicken to the bowl with the pasta. Mix gently, cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare Dressing: In a medium bowl or airtight container, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and dried tarragon. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let the flavors develop fully.
- Assemble and Serve: When ready to serve, add the chilled dressing to the pasta mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, prepare both the salad and dressing ahead to chill for several hours or overnight.
- Roasting asparagus enhances its natural sweetness, but steaming works well for a more delicate texture.
- Use fresh lemon zest for a bright, vibrant citrus flavor.
- This salad can be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken or substituting with a plant-based protein.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
