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+ servings

Summer Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad

40 minutes
easy
Serves 6 people
summer chicken pasta salad

Ingredients 

For the pasta salad

  • 1 lb fusilli pasta
  • 1 bag Nature Raised Farms® Lightly Breaded Chicken Strips cooked according to package directions and sliced
  • 4 ears fresh corn
  • 1 5 oz bag baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
  • packed cups fresh basil leaves torn
  • ¾ cup chopped fresh chives
  • 2 5.2 oz packages Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon

For the lemon vinaigrette

  • cup extra virgin olive oil
  • cup fresh lemon juice about 2–3 lemons
  • tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 2 garlic cloves finely grated
  • tsp kosher salt
  • ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions 

  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the corn and cook for 6–8 minutes, until tender. Transfer to a plate to cool slightly, then slice the kernels from the cobs and season lightly with a pinch of kosher salt.
  • Return the same pot of water to a boil and cook the fusilli until al dente according to the package directions. Drain, rinse briefly under cool water, and shake off any excess water.
  • Cook the breaded chicken strips according to the package directions. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized strips.
  • Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
  • In a very large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, basil, chives, lemon zest, and spinach, if using. Toss with about three-quarters of the vinaigrette.
  • Crumble the Boursin over the pasta and gently fold it through to create creamy pockets throughout the salad.
  • Add the sliced chicken, drizzle over the remaining vinaigrette, and toss gently to combine.
  • Taste and adjust with additional salt, black pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  • Finish with extra basil, chives, and flaky sea salt before serving.
Cook the corn first, then use the same pot of water for the pasta to save time and dishes.
The Boursin melts into the vinaigrette to create a creamy dressing without using mayonnaise.
I love serving the chicken slightly warm over the cool pasta salad for the best contrast of textures.
Reserve a little vinaigrette if making ahead to refresh the salad before serving.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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