Chicken Salad Pasta with Lemon and Poppy Seeds

Lunch Quick & Easy

Chicken Salad Pasta with Lemon and Poppy Seeds

★★★★ ☆ 4.1 (187)

This light and refreshing pasta salad combines tender chicken with a zesty lemon dressing and a delightful crunch from poppy seeds. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a tasty side dish at your next gathering.

◷ 25 min Total Time

♜ 4 Servings

▥ Easy Difficulty

Jump to Recipe ↓

Ingredients

4 servings

1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta 1 ½ cups cubed cooked chicken 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 cup dried cranberries 4 green onions, chopped 1 ½ cups creamy poppy seed salad dressing

Light and creamy bread roll

Instructions

Step 1

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the penne pasta and cook it until it’s just tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and run it under cold water to cool it down, then let it drain well.

Step 2

In a big bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chicken, chopped celery, cranberries, and green onions. Pour in the dressing along with the lemon juice, then give everything a good stir so it’s all nicely coated and mixed together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the freshness of lemon with the crunch of poppy seeds, creating a bright and flavorful meal. It's easy to prepare and perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. The mix of tender chicken, pasta, and crisp vegetables makes it both satisfying and refreshing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad on a bed of fresh greens or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a chilled white wine or iced tea, making it great for warm weather dining or casual gatherings.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salad chilled and give it a gentle toss before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the pasta and dressing may change.