Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Rating: 4.25 stars
8 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 3
  • 4 star values: 4
  • 3 star values: 1
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 0

Easy cold salad recipe.

 By philly6288
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Ingredients

6
Original recipe yields 6 servings
The ingredient list now reflects the servings specified

Directions

  • Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

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  • Cook chicken breasts on the preheated grill until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Cut chicken into cubes.

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain. Season pasta with garlic salt.

  • Whisk vegetable oil, lemon juice, basil, and Parmesan cheese together in a large bowl. Add pasta, chicken, and spinach leaves. Toss to coat.

  • Cover and chill for 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:
512 calories; 21.4 g total fat; 25 mg cholesterol; 167 mg sodium. 59.1 g carbohydrates; 20.7 g protein; Full Nutrition

Reviews (6)

Read More Reviews

Most helpful positive review

lutzflcat
Rating: 4 stars
06/06/2013
I made this exactly as written tasted and felt adjustments were needed. The lemon flavor was weak so I added additional lemon juice as well as lemon zest. I think this pasta salad is a bit lacking in seasoning so I did add some pepper and a little more garlic salt. If you're looking for a bold pasta salad this isn't for you as the flavor is mild and mellow. I'm not the world's biggest pasta salad person but I do enjoy one occasionally. This made a nice dinner along with a fresh fruit salad and hot bread. Thanks philly6288 for sharing. Read More
Helpful
(3)

Most helpful critical review

Babycakes
Rating: 3 stars
08/29/2013
I like the flexibility of this recipe - it was good chilled but can also be served with the chicken hot off the grill. Additional vegetables can also be added which is a plus. I agree with the previous reviewer that the lemon flavor was weak so I also added more lemon juice and brushed the chicken with lemon juice while grilling. I used olive oil instead of vegetable oil. A good picnic salad. Thanks! Read More
Helpful
(3)
8 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 3
  • 4 star values: 4
  • 3 star values: 1
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 0
Reviews:
Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest
lutzflcat
Rating: 4 stars
06/06/2013
I made this exactly as written tasted and felt adjustments were needed. The lemon flavor was weak so I added additional lemon juice as well as lemon zest. I think this pasta salad is a bit lacking in seasoning so I did add some pepper and a little more garlic salt. If you're looking for a bold pasta salad this isn't for you as the flavor is mild and mellow. I'm not the world's biggest pasta salad person but I do enjoy one occasionally. This made a nice dinner along with a fresh fruit salad and hot bread. Thanks philly6288 for sharing. Read More
Helpful
(3)
lutzflcat
Rating: 4 stars
06/06/2013
I made this exactly as written tasted and felt adjustments were needed. The lemon flavor was weak so I added additional lemon juice as well as lemon zest. I think this pasta salad is a bit lacking in seasoning so I did add some pepper and a little more garlic salt. If you're looking for a bold pasta salad this isn't for you as the flavor is mild and mellow. I'm not the world's biggest pasta salad person but I do enjoy one occasionally. This made a nice dinner along with a fresh fruit salad and hot bread. Thanks philly6288 for sharing. Read More
Helpful
(3)
Babycakes
Rating: 3 stars
08/29/2013
I like the flexibility of this recipe - it was good chilled but can also be served with the chicken hot off the grill. Additional vegetables can also be added which is a plus. I agree with the previous reviewer that the lemon flavor was weak so I also added more lemon juice and brushed the chicken with lemon juice while grilling. I used olive oil instead of vegetable oil. A good picnic salad. Thanks! Read More
Helpful
(3)
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Johannah
Rating: 4 stars
07/20/2017
Good basic recipe. Followed other comments and used olive oil in place of vegetable oil and lemon zest for more flavor. Substituted baby arugula for spinach added cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. Served with shrimp instead of tossing in chicken. Read More
Helpful
(2)
bonk1718
Rating: 5 stars
07/13/2016
Great flavor. Used chopped garlic rather than powder. Had to add more oil and lemon the next day Read More
Helpful
(1)
henrysmama
Rating: 4 stars
07/15/2018
As others have suggested this recipe needs some honing. I used olive oil and found I needed to add more after I'd tossed in the pasta and chicken along with more garlic salt and pepper. I like the idea of using arugula and will try that next time as the spinach leaves seemed a bit unwieldly (and a 10 oz bag is way too much. I used maybe 3 oz.). In the interest of time I also cheated and used pre-cooked and sliced seasoned Italian chicken strips. Read More
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Dawn Grosser
Rating: 5 stars
04/25/2018
Nice change. Added lemon zest and some extra veggies to adjust it to our taste. Will make it again Read More