There’s something magic about a pasta salad that’s both refreshing and packed with flavors that sing together beautifully. This Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe combines bright citrus, aromatic tarragon, crunchy almonds, and tender chicken for a dish that’s as vibrant as it is comforting—perfect for warm days or as a delightful side at your next gathering.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Bright and refreshing flavors: The lemon juice and zest bring a lively citrus punch that wakes up your taste buds with every bite.
Herby elegance from fresh tarragon: Tarragon’s unique hint of anise adds a gourmet touch that’s hard to find in typical pasta salads.
Perfect balance of textures: Juicy grapes, crunchy almonds, and tender chicken make every mouthful interesting and satisfying.
Easy to customize and make ahead: This salad keeps well chilled and can be adapted with veg or proteins you have on hand, making it ideal for busy weeknights or parties.

The image shows three white bowls filled with pasta salad made of farfalle pasta as the base layer, creamy white sauce coating the pasta, and mixed with chunks of light beige cooked chicken, red grapes, small green celery pieces, and a few thin green herb leaves. The largest bowl is placed at the back, full and slightly out of focus, while two smaller bowls are at the front and closer to the camera. Around the bowls, there are scattered fresh green herb leaves, a halved lemon showing its bright yellow inside, and a white marbled surface underneath all objects. The scene is bright and clean, suggesting a fresh and healthy meal, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad, Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad ingredients, refreshing pasta salad, citrus pasta salad, herb-infused pasta salad

Ingredients & Substitutions

The ingredients in this Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe may look simple but are carefully chosen to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each one—whether it’s the crisp celery, creamy buttermilk dressing, or sweet grapes—plays a key role in making this dish a standout.

Flat lay of cooked bowtie pasta, halved red grapes, diced celery, slivered almonds, chopped green onions, cubed cooked chicken, fresh lemon halves and lemon zest, and bright green chopped tarragon, all beautifully arranged with a small drizzle of honey and a scattering of granulated sugar and black pepper, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad, Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad ingredients, refreshing pasta salad, citrus pasta salad, herb-infused pasta salad

Bowtie pasta: Its shape holds onto the dressing perfectly and adds a fun, bite-sized base for the salad.
Red grapes: These bring a sweet burst that contrasts beautifully with the tangy lemon vinaigrette.
Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and subtle earthiness for balance.

Slivered almonds: Give a nutty depth and crunchy texture that elevates the salad.
Green onions: Provide a gentle sharpness with their mild onion flavor for freshness.
Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here for convenience and moisture.

Dressing ingredients: Mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk combine for a creamy base, while lemon, tarragon, honey, and spices bring brightness and a hint of sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta just until al dente, following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta firm and cool, ready to soak up all those fantastic flavors.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, halved red grapes, diced celery, slivered almonds, chopped green onions, and cooked, cubed chicken. This mix offers a wonderful contrast of textures and tastes that make every forkful exciting.

Step 3: Blend the Dressing and Toss

Whip up the creamy dressing by blending mayo, sour cream, buttermilk, onion powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, kosher salt, fresh tarragon, sugar, honey, and black pepper until smooth. Pour half of this luscious dressing over the salad and toss everything thoroughly to coat—then chill it for 1-2 hours to let those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Final Toss Before Serving

Just before serving, give the salad a good toss with the remaining dressing for an extra creamy finish. This step ensures each bite has that fresh, zesty punch that makes this Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe so irresistible.

How to Serve Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe

A large white bowl holds a creamy pasta salad with three main layers: bow-tie pasta in a light yellow color forms the base, mixed with light-colored chunks of chicken, bright green celery slices, and whole red and purple grapes scattered evenly throughout. The creamy dressing coats all the ingredients, giving a smooth texture that lightly shines. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a halved lemon and some green herbs. In the background, a smaller white bowl contains more of the same pasta salad, with silver forks and a knife set beside it. A gray and white checkered cloth is partially underneath the large bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad, Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad ingredients, refreshing pasta salad, citrus pasta salad, herb-infused pasta salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped tarragon or a dusting of lemon zest makes a simple yet stunning garnish, adding an extra layer of aroma and color. Toasted slivered almonds on top also bring a welcoming crunch and nutty aroma that makes the presentation pop right before serving.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad pairs beautifully with light, grill-friendly options like lemon herb chicken skewers, seared salmon, or even a crisp green salad. It can also be a star side dish alongside barbecue or a fresh vegetable platter for a picnic or potluck.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in Mason jars for an easy, grab-and-go lunch with layers visible, or arrange it on a vibrant platter topped with edible flowers for a garden party vibe. You can even pile it into hollowed-out lemon halves to highlight its citrusy flair—instantly charming and festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep its fresh flavor and texture for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or quick dinners during the week.

Freezing

Because this salad contains fresh ingredients like grapes and a creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended—it can change the texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

Reheating

This pasta salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out for a bit, but avoid microwaving to preserve its fresh, creamy qualities.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works great for holding the dressing, rotini, penne, or farfalle can also be excellent substitutes depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
What can I substitute for fresh tarragon if I can’t find it?

If fresh tarragon isn’t available, dried tarragon can be used, but use about one-third the amount since it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh basil with a touch of anise-flavored fennel fronds can provide a similar aromatic note.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad keeps well for a couple of days when refrigerated, making it a fantastic option for meal prep lunches. Just be sure to toss it with the remaining dressing right before eating to keep it fresh.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the chicken, and consider adding more crunchy veggies like roasted asparagus or green beans to keep the texture variety intact.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a pasta salad recipe that feels both special and comforting, this Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe is sure to delight. The combination of zesty lemon, fragrant tarragon, and fresh ingredients offers a refreshing twist that’s perfect any time you want something a little different yet totally delicious. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to side dish!

Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe