I absolutely love sharing this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe because it s just the perfect blend of freshness, creaminess, and heartiness all in one bowl. Whenever I m looking for a dish that feels light yet filling, this salad always hits the spot. The avocado adds this luscious, buttery texture that pairs so beautifully with juicy tomatoes and tender chicken-trust me, it s a combo you didn t know you needed!
You ll find that this salad works wonders as a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend potluck star. I first tried making it when I wanted something healthy but didn t want to spend forever cooking, and it became an instant family favorite. Plus, with the tangy dressing I m sharing, every bite bursts with flavor without a single ounce of heaviness-perfect if you re aiming to eat well but still crave something satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Delicious: Combines lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies for a balanced meal you can feel good about.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: You can swap in your favorite pasta shapes or fresh herbs to make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this salad at summer barbecues and potlucks alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe plays a special role. The creamy avocado softens the bright acidity of the tomatoes, while the shredded chicken brings in protein and the pasta ties it all together for a satisfying dish. Here s what you ll want to have on hand.
- Cooked Chicken Breasts: I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but grilled or baked chicken works great too.
- Ripe Avocado: Make sure they’re just ripe to get that buttery texture without being mushy.
- Rotini Pasta: Its twists hold the dressing and bits of ingredients wonderfully-feel free to choose similar shapes you like.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp, crunchy bite; soak in cold water briefly if you want to mellow it out.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they bring vibrant color and freshness.
- Fresh Basil: Nothing beats fresh herbs for that pop of fragrant flavor.
- White Wine Vinegar: Gives the dressing a subtle tang that brightens up every bite.
- Italian Seasoning: Convenient mix of herbs that enhances the dressing without too much hassle.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For richness and smooth texture in the dressing.
- Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper: To balance flavors perfectly.
Variations
I ve found this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe to be pretty versatile, and I love mixing it up depending on what s in the fridge or what mood I m in. Don t hesitate to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap out chicken for chickpeas or grilled tofu; it s still delicious and filling.
- Different herbs: Try cilantro or parsley instead of basil for a different herbal note-I personally love how basil really lifts the flavors here.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick without overpowering the creamy avocado.
- Whole wheat pasta: To add more fiber and a nuttier taste, whole wheat or chickpea pasta works wonders.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
First, get all your ingredients ready. Cook your pasta according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop cooking-this keeps it from getting mushy later. Shred or chop your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dice your ripe avocado and halve your cherry tomatoes. Chop the red onion finely and pick the basil leaves to chop or tear.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, combine white wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously until everything comes together in a smooth, emulsified dressing. This dressing is what brings the salad to life, so don’t skip this step or settle for bottled versions-you ll notice the difference right away!
Step 3: Toss It All Together
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, diced avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Drizzle your freshly made dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until it s evenly coated. Be gentle with the avocado to keep it from mashing too much-you want those creamy chunks intact for the perfect texture contrast.
Step 4: Serve or Chill
You can serve this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe immediately for a fresh, vibrant taste, or cover and chill it in the fridge for later. If chilling, I recommend tossing the salad again before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen it up. I love making it ahead because the flavors really meld together overnight, making it even better the next day!
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken: It saves so much time and has great flavor without extra effort.
- Keep avocado fresh: Toss diced avocado with a touch of lemon or lime juice if you plan to prep ahead to prevent browning.
- Chill pasta thoroughly: Running your cooked pasta under cold water stops it from sticking and keeps the salad cool without watering it down.
- Dress just before serving: To avoid soggy salad, mix the dressing in right before eating, especially if you re adding avocado.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a few extra fresh basil leaves on top when serving because it brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh aroma. Sometimes, I add a few shavings of Parmesan or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a little crunch and saltiness. You could also add a handful of microgreens for an elegant touch if you want to fancy it up.
Side Dishes
This salad stands well enough on its own, but if I m pairing it, I love serving it with crusty garlic bread or a bowl of light soup like tomato basil or veggie broth. Grilled vegetables or a fresh green side salad with a lemon vinaigrette also work beautifully to round out the meal without overpowering those fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I ve served this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe layered in individual clear jars or glasses-perfect for picnics or stylish buffets. You can also build it atop a bed of baby spinach or mixed greens for a different look, or stuff it into ripe avocado halves for a fun, edible serving bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 2 days. Because of the avocado, I prefer to add the dressing fresh each time or wait to add avocado till serving if I know I ll have leftovers-this helps prevent browning and keeps the salad tasting fresh.
Freezing
Honestly, I don t recommend freezing this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe because the avocado and fresh tomatoes can become watery and mushy after thawing. It s best to enjoy it fresh or chilled from the fridge.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be eaten cold, so reheating isn t ideal. If you want warm chicken pasta, I d recommend setting aside some plain pasta and chicken before mixing with avocado and dressing. Otherwise, just enjoy your leftovers straight from the fridge-it s refreshing and delicious that way.
FAQs
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Can I prepare Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare most of the salad a few hours ahead, but I recommend adding the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent browning. Store the components separately if possible, and toss them together right before enjoying.
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What s the best pasta to use in this salad?
I use rotini because its twists hold onto the dressing nicely, but you can also use penne, fusilli, or even small shells-just pick shapes that catch bits of the ingredients for the best flavor in every bite.
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How do I keep avocado from browning in this salad?
Toss the diced avocado with a little lemon or lime juice before mixing, or add it to the salad right before serving. Storing the salad with avocado added for too long will cause browning and a less appealing look.
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Can I use grilled chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Grilled, baked, or poached chicken all work great. The key is to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces so it mixes evenly with the pasta and veggies.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it proves that healthy food doesn t have to be boring or bland. It s quick, colorful, and bursting with fresh flavors that make me smile every time I eat it. If you re looking for a foolproof salad that feels indulgent without the guilt, I highly recommend giving this one a try-you ll be amazed how simple ingredients come together so beautifully!
Print
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and healthy chicken pasta salad featuring shredded rotisserie chicken, ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh basil, all tossed in a tangy Italian vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a nutritious side dish, this salad combines creamy avocado with vibrant vegetables and a zesty dressing for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
- 1 pound cooked rotini pasta, chilled
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped basil
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Dressing
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked and chilled rotini pasta, chopped red onion, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and freshly chopped basil. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Make the dressing: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the white wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, extra virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Close the jar and shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and combined.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve or chill: Serve the chicken pasta salad immediately for the freshest taste, or cover and chill in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld for later use. Enjoy!
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor, but you can use any cooked chicken breast.
- Chilling the pasta and salad ingredients before tossing helps keep the avocado firm and the salad refreshing.
- For extra texture, consider adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
- Serve this salad as a light meal or a side dish with grilled vegetables or crusty bread.
- This salad is best consumed within 1-2 days to enjoy the freshness of avocado.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
