Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad (Meal Prep + Party-Perfect!)
This pasta salad is the freshest, brightest, most flavor-packed lunch situation you could ask for. The star of the show? That lemon parmesan dressing. It’s tangy, garlicky, and just sweet enough thanks to a touch of honey—and it works just as well at your desk on a Tuesday as it does on your Easter table or next to some grilled kabobs at a summer BBQ.
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Salad Ingredients (for 4 servings):
- 8 oz protein pasta like Barilla Protein+ or chickpea pasta
- 24 oz grilled chicken breast seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic; baked at 425°F for 20 min, flipping halfway
- 1 1/3 cups chopped artichoke hearts about 1/3 cup per serving
- 2 cups arugula
Let's Make It
- Whisk together dressing ingredients in a bowl or shake it up in a mason jar. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Assembly (Meal Prep Style):
- In tall meal prep jars or containers, layer:
- Cooked pasta (cooled)
- Artichoke hearts
- Grilled chicken
- Arugula
- Store dressing separately and drizzle right before eating. Shake it up and enjoy cold or at room temp.
Notes
Nutrition per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 46g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 5g Nutrition may vary slightly depending on your pasta choice.