This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of tender chicken, fresh avocado, and juicy tomatoes tossed with pasta. It’s a delightful dish that feels light yet filling!
I love how quick it is to whip up—perfect for a busy day! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while staying satisfied. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I like using rotini for its fun shape that holds onto the dressing. If you want, you can swap it for penne, farfalle, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Chicken: For convenience, I often use rotisserie chicken. It’s juicy and saves time, but grilled or leftover chicken works great too. Even chickpeas can be a good plant-based swap!
Avocado: A ripe avocado adds creaminess. If you’re not a fan, you could replace it with diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch, or even use hummus for a different texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes are ideal. You can use diced regular tomatoes or even add some sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
How Do You Keep Avocados from Browning in Your Salad?
One of the biggest challenges with avocado in salads is browning. To keep your avocado looking fresh:
- Use lemon juice! The acidity helps slow down the browning process. Mix it into the salad dressing.
- As a bonus, add the avocado last, right before serving. This way, it spends less time exposed to air.
Also, if you make this salad ahead of time, consider storing the avocado separately and mix it in just before serving for the best results!
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking pasta and tossing everything together for a fresh, vibrant meal. Perfect for lunch or an easy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set the pasta aside for later.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and chopped basil leaves. This colorful combination not only looks great but also packs in lots of flavor!
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This dressing will bring everything together beautifully!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve the salad immediately, or for the best flavor, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Enjoy your healthy and delicious pasta salad!
FAQ for Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great healthier alternative, adding more fiber to your salad. Just be sure to cook it al dente, as it can become mushy if overcooked.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The avocado might brown a bit, but the salad will still taste delicious!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by omitting the chicken and replacing it with chickpeas or another plant-based protein. You can also use vegan mayonnaise or a tahini-based dressing for added creaminess.
What Can I Substitute for the Basil?
If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you could use fresh parsley, spinach, or arugula for a different flavor. Dried herbs can also work, just use about a third of the amount since they’re more concentrated.
