This yummy chicken pasta salad is packed with fresh flavors! It has tender chicken, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up! I love making a big batch and enjoying it for days, or even bringing it to picnics. Plus, it’s healthy and makes me feel great! 🥑🍅
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini is perfect for holding onto dressings and flavors. If you’re out of it, feel free to use any spiral pasta, penne, or fusilli for a similar texture.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for this salad since it’s quick and adds a nice flavor. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken. For a vegetarian option, try replacing it with chickpeas or grilled tofu.
Avocado: Fresh avocado adds creaminess. If you can’t find ripe ones, substitute with a dollop of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for creaminess, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Cherry Tomatoes: These are sweet and juicy. If you can’t find them, regular tomatoes diced small would work, or use cucumber for some crunch.
Red Onion: Red onions give a mild flavor. If you prefer something sweeter, use green onions or shallots. Soaking the chopped red onions in cold water for a bit can lessen their bite.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is aromatic and brightens the salad. Dried basil can work in a pinch, but use less since dried herbs are stronger. You can also substitute with parsley or cilantro for a different flavor.
How Do I Keep the Avocado from Browning?
One concern with using avocado in salads is it can brown quickly. To keep it looking fresh, you can use a bit of lemon juice directly on the diced avocado before mixing it in. This adds a nice tang too!
- Slice and dice the avocado just before serving or add it last, right before tossing the salad to prevent exposure to air.
- Consider using ripe avocados that are not overly soft; they can hold up better in salads.
Lastly, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container, and eat within a day for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy creating your delicious chicken pasta salad!
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad With Avocado and Tomato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1 medium avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and can be served immediately, but it’s even better if you let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to help the flavors mix together. So, set aside a total of about 45 minutes for the best taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once bubbling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). When it’s ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This helps stop the cooking and keeps your salad fresh and vibrant.
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, the shredded chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and chopped basil. This colorful mixture will make your pasta salad not just tasty, but beautiful too!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of pepper. This dressing will add a zesty flavor to your salad, tying all the ingredients together perfectly.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over your pasta salad and gentle toss everything together until all the ingredients are coated in that delicious dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado!
5. Serve or Chill:
Enjoy your salad immediately for a fresh crunch, or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Either way, it’s going to be delicious! Serve it up and savor your healthy chicken pasta salad!
Can I Substitute the Pasta for a Gluten-Free Option?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or legume flour. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta may require different cooking times.
How Do I Keep the Avocado from Browning?
To prevent the avocado from browning, you can toss it in a little extra lemon juice before adding it to the salad. Additionally, try to serve the salad shortly after preparing it, or store it in an airtight container to limit exposure to air.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this salad in advance! Prepare everything except the avocado and combine. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add the avocado and dressing right before serving to keep it fresh.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize your salad by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or spinach for extra crunch and nutrients. Just chop them up finely and mix them in!
