This colorful chicken pasta salad brings together tender chicken, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes for a fresh and healthy dish. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
You can whip this up quickly, making it a go-to on busy days. Plus, who can resist the combo of creamy avocado and zesty veggies? Yum! 🥑🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using rotini for its shape and texture, but feel free to swap in any short pasta like penne or farfalle if that’s what you’ve got. Whole grain or gluten-free pasta options work well too!
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or simply bake some chicken breast and shred it yourself. For a vegetarian twist, try chickpeas or white beans instead!
Avocado: Make sure your avocado is ripe for the best flavor and creaminess. If you can’t find a ripe one, you can skip it or use some cubed mozzarella cheese as a substitute.
Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. If they’re out of season, you might use diced bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor…but fresh is always best!
Fresh Basil: Basil gives this salad a vibrant taste. If you don’t have it, chopped parsley or cilantro can also bring freshness to the dish.
How Do I Keep My Avocado from Browning?
Avocados can brown quickly after being cut, which isn’t very appealing. To keep your salad looking fresh, here are a couple of tips:
- Use lemon juice! The acid helps keep the avocado green. You can even lightly coat the diced avocado in lemon juice before adding it to the salad.
- Add the avocado right before serving. If you chill the salad, hold off on adding the avocado until just before you eat to ensure it stays fresh.
With these tips, your pasta salad will not only taste great but also look vibrant and enticing!
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken pasta salad will take you about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll need about 10 minutes to cook and cool the pasta, and another 10 minutes to chop ingredients and combine everything. It’s super quick and great for meal prepping!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes). When it’s done, drain it well and give it a quick rinse under cold water to cool it down. This stops the cooking process and helps keep the pasta from getting mushy.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the shredded chicken. This is where all the tasty ingredients will come together!
3. Add Fresh Veggies:
Next, toss in the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and fresh basil. These ingredients add both flavor and color, making your salad look and taste appealing.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until it’s well combined. This simple dressing brings everything together and adds a zesty taste!
5. Toss Everything Together:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture, then gently toss everything together. Be careful with the avocado; you want to mix well but avoid mashing it up! Aim for a nice coating of dressing on everything.
6. Adjust for Taste:
Give your salad a taste and see if it needs more salt, pepper, or dressing. Feel free to adjust to your liking—this salad is all about your preferences!
7. Chill Before Serving:
To let the flavors meld beautifully, cover your salad and chill it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This makes it extra refreshing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, grab your salad from the fridge, give it one last toss, and serve it cold or at room temperature. Enjoy your healthy and tasty chicken pasta salad with avocado and tomato!
FAQ for Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato
Can I Use Different Pasta Types?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for rotini, you can substitute any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even whole grain or gluten-free options based on your dietary preferences.
How Do I Keep Leftover Salad Fresh?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly, so it’s best to eat it within this timeframe for optimal freshness and flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use chopped parsley or cilantro as a substitute for a fresh herbal note. Dried herbs can also work in a pinch—just use about a teaspoon of dried parsley or basil instead.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! This salad is naturally dairy-free. Just make sure that any chicken you use isn’t marinated in dairy-based products. The creamy texture from the avocado adds plenty of richness without the need for cheese!
