Copycat Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe

scooping a serving of lemon tarragon pasta salad

5 from 1 vote

Copycat Lemon Tarragon Pasta 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!

Prep Time30

Cook Time12

chilling time2

Total Time2 42

Course: Brunch, dinner, lunch, Main Dish, pasta, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Copycat Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad

Servings: servings

Calories: 299kcal

Author: Jessica & Nellie

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

Leftover lemon chicken pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Before serving, stir the pasta salad well to redistribute the dressing.

Nutrition