Lemon Chicken Tortellini Salad

Michele Brosius
by Michele Brosius
4 Servings
20 min

Lemon chicken tortellini salad is easy to make, perfect for meal prep, parties, family gatherings and more. This simple salad recipe is great for a quick dinner, lunches throughout the week or an afternoon snack.


I’ve shared other tortellini salad recipes before and they’ve been a big hit! Naturally I had to share this new version with you as well.


This lemon chicken tortellini salad combines the best of both worlds: a full meal and an easy pasta salad recipe. Thanks to the protein punch from the chicken this recipe can be eaten on its own or as a side dish.


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It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a unique recipe to take to a party or backyard BBQ or if you are looking for a meal prep recipe to pack for lunches this week, lemon chicken tortellini salad is a great option.


This is also a really great option if you need a quick, light, family friendly dinner recipe. This recipe serves four but you can easily double or even triple it in order to serve a crowd. Tortellini salad is indulgent and filling without being heavy or intense, an excellent option when those warmer summer and fall months roll around!

Can I use a different kind of pasta for this salad?


Honestly if you can’t have tortellini or if you just don’t want to use them you can substitute in another kind of pasta. The end result will be different, obviously, but it will still work. Check out the links below for other pasta salad recipes, maybe you’ll find another version you’d like better!


If you substitute in other pasta you can use anywhere from 10-16 ounces. You’ll end up with more servings depending on how much pasta you use. This chicken and pasta salad is great and the bright lemony flavor is sure to be a quick favorite!


Is there dressing on this tortellini salad?


Yes! We will be making a tasty and zesty lemon dressing that goes on top of this tortellini salad. It’s easy to make and definitely better than a store bought option.


You’ll love the way the lemon compliments the arugula, chicken, and tortellinis. It’s a very simple vinaigrette style dressing that you can make with just a few simple ingredients. Save the recipe below for the ingredients so you can make it for other salads, pasta, and more!


Here’s what you’ll need to make lemon chicken tortellini salad:


This recipe uses cheese tortellini, chicken breast, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, arugula, and parmesan cheese. You can also add salt and pepper to taste or let everyone add their own after it’s done!


The recipe itself is very simple and this lemon chicken tortellini salad comes together in a flash, just 20 minutes and you have an awesome recipe ready to go that everyone will devour.


If you have leftover chicken that you need to use up this is a great recipe for that as well. You can substitute in precooked chicken with no problems. Even shredded rotisserie chicken meat would be great in this tortellini salad.

How to make a tortellini salad with chicken:


Let’s dive in and see how truly easy it is to make this pasta salad recipe. You’ll be shocked you never tried it before and once you get a taste you’ll be back for more!


Cook the tortellini according to the package.


Meanwhile, boil the chicken until it is cooked through and shred

While the tortellini and chicken are cooking, use a small mixing bowl to combine the garlic and olive oil

Add the salt, pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar stirring with a whisk

In a large mixing bowl, place the tortellini and shredded chicken and gently stir to mix them together

Add two tablespoons of the lemon mixture into the tortellini and chicken and toss to coat

Gently fold in the arugula and remaining lemon dressing

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve

Kitchen Essentials for Delicious Pasta Recipes:


It’s never a bad idea to have some of these kitchen essentials on hand. They’ll come in handy for making more than just this lemon chicken tortellini salad, I promise!


I like half sheet baking pans that are quality (hello no noisy pops or sloshed cookie dough from twisting), I line my cookie sheets with silicone baking mats. These are a must when doing cake mix recipes which can settle and become thin at lot easier than traditional cookie dough.


Of course mixing bowls, a mixer, spatula, and some whisks should be on your list if you don’t have ones that you love. I also like to have a set of cooling racks so that my recipes can properly cool before they’re scarfed down by my family!


  • Misto Reusable Oil Sprayer
  • OXO Good Grips Silicone Spatulas
  • Parchment Paper
  • 8×8 Inch Baking Dish

Looking for other tasty pasta salad recipes?


I’ve been whipping up a lot of pasta salad recipes lately. They’re quick meals, easy for dinner or lunches, and even snacking. Looking for other pasta salad recipes with protein I have one with shrimp and one with chicken.


My orzo pasta salad and bow tie pasta salad are fun twists on regular pasta shapes. This greek style pasta salad is yummy and unique, if a creamy style pasta salad is more your speed I’ve got that too. Another creamy style option is this copycat Ruby Tuesday pasta salad!


One of our favorite’s is this bacon ranch pasta salad. Tortellini pasta salad is another family favorite. When I’m heading to a party or event I make pesto pasta salad, it’s delicious and everyone always asks for the recipe!

Printable Lemon Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe:
Lemon Chicken Tortellini Salad
Recipe details
  • 4  Servings
  • Prep time: 10 Minutes Cook time: 10 Minutes Total time: 20 min
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Ingredients

  • 9 oz cheese tortellini
  • 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 3 cups arugula
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (shaved)
Instructions

Cook the tortellini according to the package.
Meanwhile, boil the chicken until it is cooked through and shred
While the tortellini and chicken are cooking, use a small mixing bowl to combine the garlic and olive oil
Add the salt, pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar stirring with a whisk
In a large mixing bowl, place the tortellini and shredded chicken and gently stir to mix them together
Add two tablespoons of the lemon mixture into the tortellini and chicken and toss to coat
Gently fold in the arugula and remaining lemon dressing
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve
Michele Brosius
Want more details about this and other recipes? Check out more here!
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