Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad
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There is a place just north of Salt Lake City, Utah called Plates and Palates that is well known for its lemon tarragon pasta salad. I have eaten there once and ordered that famous salad, and it was absolutely delicious. It was one of those dishes that immediately stood out and stayed in my mind long after the meal was over.
What makes this salad different from a more typical chicken pasta salad is really the dressing. The lemon juice and lemon zest give it a fresh, bright flavor that makes the whole salad taste light and refreshing. Then there is the tarragon, which adds a unique herbal flavor with just a slight hint of anise. I have used dried tarragon before, but fresh tarragon makes such a big difference here and gives the salad a much better flavor.
This is the kind of salad that is perfect for warmer weather. It makes a wonderful summer lunch or light dinner, but it is also a great dish to bring to a potluck, baby shower, or wedding shower. Serve it with a good roll on the side, and you have an easy meal that feels fresh, flavorful, and a little special.
Ingredients for Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad
- BOW TIE PASTA – Bow tie pasta gives this salad a fun shape and works well for holding onto the creamy dressing. It also makes the salad hearty enough to serve as a main dish or substantial side.
- RED GRAPES – Red grapes add a sweet, juicy burst of flavor that balances the savory chicken and creamy dressing. Slicing them in half also makes them easier to eat and helps distribute them throughout the salad.
- CELERY – Celery adds a fresh crunch that gives the salad great texture. It also helps keep the salad tasting light and crisp.
- SLIVERED ALMONDS – Slivered almonds add a nice crunch and a little nutty flavor. They give the salad extra texture and make it feel a little more special.
- GREEN ONIONS – Green onions add a mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad. They also bring a little freshness and color to the dish.
- COOKED CHICKEN – Cooked chicken makes the salad more filling and turns it into a complete meal. Cubed chicken works well because it mixes evenly throughout the pasta.
- MAYONNAISE – Mayonnaise is the creamy base of the dressing and gives the salad its rich texture. It helps coat all of the ingredients and ties everything together.
- BUTTERMILK – Buttermilk thins the dressing to the right consistency while adding a slight tang. It keeps the dressing from feeling too heavy and works really well with the lemon.
- ONION POWDER – Onion powder adds savory flavor to the dressing in a smooth, subtle way. It gives a little depth without the need for chopped raw onion in the dressing.
- LEMONS – The lemon juice and zest are what make this salad so fresh and bright. They add a clean citrus flavor that really sets this pasta salad apart from more traditional versions.
- SALT – Salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out the flavor of all the other ingredients. Even a small amount makes a big difference in the dressing.
- TARRAGON – Fresh tarragon gives the salad its signature flavor. It has a distinct herbal taste with a slight hint of anise that pairs beautifully with the lemon and chicken.
- SUGAR – A little sugar helps balance the tang from the lemon and buttermilk. It rounds out the dressing without making it overly sweet.
- HONEY – Honey adds another touch of sweetness and helps soften the lemon’s sharpness. It also adds a smooth flavor that blends nicely into the dressing.
Instructions for Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad
Cook the pound of bowtie noodles according to the package directions until al dente . Once it is done, drain in a colander and rinse it under cool water to stop the cooking. Then drain it well.
Add the cooled pasta to a large bowl along with the red grapes, celery, almonds, green onions, and cooked chicken. Toss everything together gently so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
To make the dressing, roughly chop the fresh tarragon and place it in a high-powered blender. Add the mayonnaise, buttermilk, onion powder, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and honey. Blend on high for about 30 seconds, or until the dressing is smooth and frothy.
Pour half of the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is well coated. Cover the salad and the remaining dressing separately, then refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
Just before serving, pour the remaining dressing over the salad and toss again. This helps keep the salad extra creamy and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes. This salad is a great make-ahead recipe. In fact, it tastes even better after it has had a little time to chill so the flavors can blend together.
Why do you add only half of the dressing at first?
Adding half of the dressing before chilling allows the pasta and other ingredients to soak up flavor. Then adding the remaining dressing just before serving helps keep the salad extra creamy and fresh.
Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh tarragon gives the salad the best flavor. It has a brighter, more distinct herbal taste that really makes this salad special.
What kind of chicken works best in this recipe?
Any cooked chicken will work well. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but grilled, baked, or poached chicken are all good options too.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Bow tie pasta works great, but other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells can also be used.
Do I have to use red grapes?
Red grapes are a great choice because they add sweetness and color, but green grapes can work too. Just be sure to slice them in half for easier eating.
Can I make the dressing without a blender?
Yes. A blender helps make the dressing extra smooth and frothy, but you can also whisk it together by hand if needed. Just mince the tarragon very finely first.
Can I make this salad for a party or shower?
Absolutely. This is a great recipe for potlucks, baby showers, wedding showers, or summer gatherings because it serves a crowd and can be made ahead.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. If the salad seems a little dry after sitting, stir it well before serving.
Can I leave out the almonds?
Yes. If you need to avoid nuts or just prefer the salad without them, you can leave them out. The salad will still be delicious.
What does the tarragon taste like?
Tarragon has a fresh herbal flavor with a slight hint of anise or licorice. It pairs really well with the lemon and chicken in this salad.
Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh tarragon if you can. Fresh tarragon gives this salad its best flavor and makes a big difference in the dressing.
- Rinse the pasta with cool water after cooking. This stops the cooking process and helps cool the pasta down quickly for the salad.
- Add the dressing in two stages. Mixing in half before chilling, then the rest just before serving, keeps the salad flavorful and extra creamy.
- Chill the salad before serving. Putting it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours helps the flavors blend and makes the salad even better.
- Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut. It saves time and makes this salad come together much faster.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Grilled Chicken Salad Wraps
- High Protein Chicken Salad
- Pesto Chicken Salad Sandwiches
- Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 16 oz pkg bow tie pasta
- 2 cups red grapes sliced in half
- 1 cup celery diced
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- 1 bunch green onions chopped
- 2 cups chicken cooked and cubed
Dressing:
- 1 ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 lemons juiced and zested
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp fresh tarragon minced
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp honey
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Run cool water over pasta and drain.
- Into a large bowl, add the drained pasta, red grapes, celery, almonds, green onions, and chicken.
- For the dressing, roughly chop the fresh tarragon and place it in a high powered blender. Add the remaining dressing ingredients. Blend on high power for 30 seconds, or until dressing is smooth and frothy.
- Add half of the dressing to the bowl with the salad ingredients and stir to combine.
- Cover the salad and the remaining half of the dressing and chill for 1-2 hours. Pour the rest of the dressing over the salad just before serving.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Jamie Cooks It Up.
