This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes. It’s full of flavors and packed with nutrients to keep you feeling great!
I love how quick and easy this salad is to whip up. It’s perfect for busy days or a light lunch, and I often take it to picnics. Plus, who can resist the creaminess of avocado? 🥑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini for this salad because its twisty shape catches the dressing and ingredients well. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can try chickpea or quinoa pasta, which are both great alternatives.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is super handy for this recipe. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken if you’re short on time. For a vegetarian version, swap it with chickpeas or white beans.
Avocado: Ripe avocados add creaminess to the salad. If you can’t find avocados or want something lighter, try diced cucumbers or even a scoop of hummus for creaminess without the calories.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes brighten the dish. If they’re out of season, feel free to use canned diced tomatoes or roasted bell peppers for a different flavor.
Red Onion: The bite of red onion is perfect here, but if it’s too strong for your taste, try using green onions or shallots instead for a milder flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad Tastes Fresh and Flavorful?
A key to a delicious pasta salad is making sure it’s well mixed and the flavors are balanced. First, don’t skip rinsing the pasta after cooking! This cools it down and prevents it from getting mushy. Make sure all veggies and proteins are evenly distributed.
- Cook pasta al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water. This helps keep the pasta firm.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, but save the dressing for last.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together before adding it to the salad. This helps flavor every single bite.
- Let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step allows flavors to blend beautifully.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad With Avocado and Tomato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to chill if you’d like to let the flavors blend. So in total, you’ll need around 45 minutes before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s nice and al dente. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This step helps keep the pasta from becoming mushy!
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and fresh basil. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together evenly. Everything looks colorful and tasty already!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a smooth dressing. This will add a wonderful flavor to your salad!
4. Toss the Salad:
Now pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything together gently to ensure that all the ingredients are coated in the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado!
5. Serve or Chill:
You can serve your pasta salad right away, but if you’d like, cover it and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your healthy dish!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Rotini?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and will add extra fiber to your salad. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions, as cooking times may vary slightly compared to regular pasta.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this pasta salad vegetarian, simply omit the shredded chicken and consider adding more veggies, like bell peppers or cucumbers, for extra texture. You could also include chickpeas or white beans for added protein.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the pasta salad a day ahead and store it in the fridge. However, it’s best to add the avocado just before serving to avoid browning. You can also hold back a little dressing to refresh the salad when you’re ready to serve.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown, so if you’re concerned about that, consider adding lemon juice to the diced avocado before mixing it into the salad.
