Tired Of Overcomplicated Recipes? This Simple Duo Delivers Big Flavor With Zero Stress

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Some meals are just meant for warmer days; light on effort, big on flavor, and versatile enough to suit both quick weeknight dinners and casual gatherings. This combination of Lemon Herb Chicken and Cold Pasta Salad fits that description perfectly. It brings together the brightness of lemon, the earthy kick of fresh herbs, and the satisfying crunch of crisp vegetables all with minimal fuss.

The chicken is tender and zesty thanks to a simple marinade, and the pasta salad offers a cool, colorful contrast that can be made ahead of time. Together, they form a balanced, refreshing meal that's both nourishing and enjoyable.

Lemon Herb Chicken

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes + 30 minutes marination

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Lemon slices and chopped parsley, for garnish

How To Make

Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

Choose a Cooking Method

Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high (around 400°F/200°C). Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake chicken with marinade in a baking dish for 20-25 minutes, until fully cooked.

Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Cook chicken 6-8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Rest And Garnish: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cold Pasta Salad

Serves: 4-6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne recommended)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Dressing

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How To Prepare

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Make the Dressing: In a bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, feta cheese (if using), and herbs.

Toss and Chill: Pour dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Stir before serving.

Serving Suggestions & Tips

• Serve the chicken alongside or sliced over the pasta salad for a complete meal.
• Both dishes are excellent for meal prep and stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For extra flavor, reserve a bit of the marinade (before adding raw chicken) to use as a drizzle after cooking.
• The pasta salad is highly customizable-add-ins like grilled zucchini, avocado, corn, or chickpeas work beautifully.
• For a dairy-free version, simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Herb Chicken and Cold Pasta Salad pairing is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can deliver vibrant, satisfying results. Whether served for dinner, packed for a picnic, or prepped for the week ahead, it's a combination that feels fresh, balanced, and endlessly adaptable. No complicated techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients, just two dishes that come together easily and taste even better than they look.