Copycat Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad made with a creamy buttermilk dressing blended with lemon juice & fresh tarragon & topped with chicken, celery, grapes, almonds & bowtie pasta.
This salad tastes just like Plates & Palates version- only you make it at home for a fraction of the price! Creamy, tangy with bright, fresh flavors, this chicken pasta salad is a hit!
This chilled pasta salad is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for summer. Prep this simple dish in under 30 minutes and using only a few ingredients. The result is a flavorful and satisfying salad that is perfect for lunch or dinner!
Refreshing Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad
We recently hosted a brunch and when planning the menu, I had the idea to serve the popular Lemon Tarragon pasta salad from Plates & Palates, a local restaurant that I adore. I knew they did catering so I hopped over to their website but about had a heart attack when I saw the price. Wow! It was a tad out of my budget, so I looked for a recipe instead. Amy from House of Nash Eats had a fantastic one, and with just a bit of tweaking, I feel like this is super close to the actual recipe!
It disappeared quick once I served it and everyone loved the fantastic flavors. It’s perfect to go alongside BBQ or even a Sunday dinner.
Important Recipe Notes:
Just a few things for you to know before you make this:
- Don’t skimp on the lemon or tarragon! They both provide exceptional flavor to the salad and it just wouldn’t be the same without them. I found a .5-oz package of fresh tarragon in the produce department at my Kroger store. Fresh is best and you’ll use the whole package.
- Plan to make the salad the day before you want to serve it. Hear me out, the dressing is amazing, especially if you blend it up and let it sit for several hours before tossing it with the salad. Seriously. It really does need a bit of time to really be exceptional! So blend the dressing in the morning. Then let it chill in the fridge all day. Then make the rest of the salad in the evening. Toss it with ½ the dressing. The next day, stir in the rest of the dressing and serve. PERFECT.
- Double the chicken to serve this as a main dish! I once got a Costco rotisserie chicken and used the whole thing in the salad! It was delightful and everyone appreciated the cold salad on a hot summer day.
Ingredients for Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad
Dressing
Mayonnaise: For a creamy dressing, use 1 cup of mayonnaise.
Buttermilk: Add buttermilk to give rich texture and tangy flavor to this pasta salad.
Sour cream: Thicken the dressing by adding ½ cup of sour cream.
Lemons: You need 2 lemons, juiced and zested, for the incredible citrus flavor.
Tarragon: Use fresh tarragon (all of a .5 oz package, leaves removed from stems) for a subtle spiced flavor.
Sugar: Sweeten the dressing slightly by adding some granulated sugar.
Onion powder: Add 1 tsp of onion powder for more incredible flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Balance the flavors well by adding salt and pepper to this recipe.
Salad Ingredients
Pasta: You need 16-oz of bowtie pasta, cooked.
Grapes: Add red grapes for juicy bursts of deliciousness.
Celery: You need 2 cups of celery, sliced, to add nutrients to this dish.
Almonds: Slivered almonds adds a wonderful crunchy texture.
Onions: Using ½ cup of green onions, sliced, gives this pasta salad more great taste.
Chicken: Adding cooked, cubed chicken, makes this a more filling dish.
Important Tips for this Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad
- Let the dressing chill. Although the dressing comes together quickly, this step will take 4 hours, so plan accordingly. Blending the ingredients is the simple part, using a blender or food processor makes it even easier. But the real test of your patience is letting the dressing set and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. It’s worth the wait, I promise!!
- Use up leftovers! This pasta salad is a great recipe for using leftover chicken and any extra grapes you may have on hand. There is no better feeling than repurposing uneaten food, especially when making an extremely delicious dish!
- Don’t fully cook the pasta. The trick to creating a perfect pasta salad is cooking the pasta al dente’. Cooking it this way helps the pasta from becoming mushy when it cools down, thus maintaining a nice texture and allowing the pasta to absorb flavors better. And with this dish, the more the flavors absorb the better! Seriously, you won’t be disappointed!
How long is Lemon Pasta Salad good for?
To store Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. This pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Before serving leftovers, stir the pasta salad well to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Copycat Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested about 4-5 tablespoons lemon zest and ⅓ to ½ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh tarragon all of a .5 oz package, leaves removed from stems
- 2 TBSP granulated sugar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Salad
- 16 oz bowtie pasta
- 3 cups red grapes divided
- 2 cups celery sliced
- ⅓ cup slivered almonds
- ½ cup green onions sliced (about 1 bunch)
- 2 cups cooked cubed chicken
Instructions
- Dressing: Blending all the dressing ingredients in a food processor or blender, for 1 minute. Transfer the mixture to a lidded jar and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. (Note: This allows the flavors in the dressing to meld. If you're pressed for time, you can just make the salad all at once, but if not, let the dressing sit for at least a few hours. It's worth it!!)
- Prep: Cook the pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately run it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Dice the celery and slice the onions. The chicken also needs to be cooked and cubed before assembling this pasta salad. A quick and easy method is to use a rotisserie or leftover chicken from another meal.
- Assemble & chill: In a large bowl combine the cooked pasta, 2 cups of the grapes, celery, almonds, green onions and the chicken. Pour half the dressing over the mixture and stir well to combine.
- Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to chill and let the flavors meld. Before serving, stir in the remaining dressing, top with the remaining red grapes and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Customizing Your Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad
Alternative Ingredients: There are a variety of ingredients that can be substituted or added to the recipe to suit different tastes. For example, instead of using tarragon, one could use basil, dill, or even cilantro to add a different flavor profile to the dish. Other ingredients that could be added to the recipe include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, or even grilled chicken or shrimp.
Adjusting for Dietary Restrictions: Those who are gluten-free can use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional pasta. For vegetarian or vegan, omitting the chicken and using a plant-based mayonnaise can make the dish suitable. If you are watching their fat intake, using a low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise can help to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
Can dried tarragon be used as in lieu of fresh in pasta salad?
Yes, dried tarragon can be used as a substitute for fresh in pasta salad recipes. However, fresh tarragon has a more pronounced flavor, so it’s not quite the same. Start with 1 tsp dried Tarragon and go from there.
What’s a good substitute for mayonnaise in this pasta salad?
If you want to skip mayonnaise, Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative. It maintains creaminess while adding protein and tang. You can also consider using avocado for a different kind of creamy texture, adding a unique flavor.
What are other pasta choices that work well with this recipe?
While bowtie pasta is a great choice, you can use fusilli or penne for a fun twist. Both alternatives hold onto the dressing well and pair nicely with the other ingredients. Plus, they add their own special texture to the salad.
How long should Tarragon Pasta Salad be chilled before serving?
Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad should be chilled for at least two hours before serving. This will give the flavors time to meld together and the pasta salad time to chill. If you have more time, you can chill the pasta salad for up to 24 hours before serving. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Try more of our favorite & delicious salad recipes here:
- Another great recipe that can be a side or main dish is this Fiesta Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad. It is a no-bake recipe which is great for summertime events!
- Looking for a simple dish that is also super versatile? Give our Chicken Pasta Salad a try today! You can customize this recipe to your taste preferences and it’s guaranteed to be delicious.
- Do you love the taste of restaurants but not the costs? Make our Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad to satisfying your cravings but protect your wallet!
- This Greek Pasta Salad is another great choice for your next gathering, it’s bursting with amazing flavor. The combination fresh vegetables, lemon flavor, and cold pasta makes this dish so satisfying!
- Need a healthy, delicious dish to make for dinner or a party? Try our Spinach Chicken Pasta Salad made with chicken, fresh spinach & oranges, tossed in a teriyaki vinaigrette dressing!
Copycat Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad is a fantastic dish that is perfect for any occasion. This lemon chicken pasta salad is a flavorful dish that can be made quickly and is sure to impress!
Edith says
Great flavor- just like Plates and Palates!