If you’ve been searching for a vibrant, nourishing dish that bursts with flavor and freshness, look no further than this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato Recipe. This salad offers the perfect harmony of creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, tender shredded chicken, and al dente pasta all tossed in a tangy, herb-infused dressing. Whether you’re packing a lunch, needing a quick weeknight dinner, or bringing a dish to share, this salad truly shines with its delightful textures and wholesome ingredients. I promise, once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato Recipe comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have or can easily pick up. Each ingredient plays a special role, from adding creamy richness to vibrant pops of color and fresh, herbaceous notes that elevate the entire dish.
- 2 medium cooked chicken breasts: Shredded or chopped, rotisserie chicken adds tender, juicy protein without the fuss.
- 2 ripe avocados: Pitted and diced; they bring luscious creaminess that complements the tangy dressing.
- 1 pound cooked rotini pasta: Chilled for that perfectly chewy texture and excellent at holding on to the dressing.
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch to balance the mellow avocado.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved; these give bursts of fresh, bright flavor and a beautiful splash of red.
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped basil: Infuses a fragrant, herbal note that’s crucial for that fresh summer salad vibe.
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper: To enhance and balance all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar: Provides a bright acidity to keep the salad lively and refreshing.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A medley of herbs that lends depth and complexity to the dressing.
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Rich and fruity, it creates a silky dressing that ties everything together.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Start by gathering all your prepared ingredients: shredded chicken, cooked and chilled rotini pasta, chopped red onion, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and freshly chopped basil. Combine them gently in a large bowl, making sure to mix just enough to distribute everything evenly without mashing that gorgeous avocado. This step sets the foundation, so handle with care.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
This dressing is where the magic happens. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine white wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle in some salt and black pepper to taste. Seal the jar and shake it vigorously until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth, harmonious blend. This tangy, herbaceous dressing is what lifts all those fresh ingredients to deliciously new heights.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Drizzle the freshly made dressing over your salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly so every bite has a lovely coat of the flavorful dressing. Taste the salad once tossed, and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if you think it needs it. This ensures your Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato Recipe hits just the right balance every time.
Step 4: Serve or Chill
You can serve this salad immediately for that fresh, lively taste, or cover and chill it in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld for an hour or more. Both ways work nicely, but chilling can deepen the flavor and make it a perfect make-ahead meal option.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta over the top before serving. A few whole basil leaves or a light drizzle of extra olive oil can also add a beautiful finishing touch that makes your salad feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light sides like grilled vegetables or a crisp green garden salad. For something heartier, serve it alongside garlic bread or a crusty whole-grain baguette to round out the meal without overwhelming the bright, fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or hollowed cherry tomatoes for a stunning appetizer presentation. Alternatively, layering it in clear glass jars can make for a colorful, grab-and-go lunch option that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because avocado can brown, make sure to give the salad a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing and freshen it up.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing due to the delicate texture of avocado and pasta. Avocados tend to get watery and mushy after freezing, and the fresh, crisp feel of this salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.
Reheating
Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, just let refrigerated leftovers sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving, which helps to bring out the flavors and soften the chill.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, penne, fusilli, or farfalle are all excellent alternatives that will work just as well. Just cook them al dente and chill before assembling.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep, especially if you keep the avocado diced fresh or add it just before eating to avoid browning. Preparing the other ingredients ahead makes lunchtime a breeze.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Certainly! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and consider adding chickpeas or grilled tofu for protein. The rest of the salad and dressing remain the same and will still be delicious.
What can I substitute for white wine vinegar?
If you don’t have white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be great substitutes that maintain the bright acidity you want in the dressing.
How ripe should the avocados be?
Choose avocados that are just ripe—soft enough to yield slightly to gentle pressure but not mushy. This texture helps them hold their shape and creaminess in the salad without turning to mush.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato Recipe is a game-changer for anyone wanting a nourishing, flavorful meal on the table fast. From the perfect balance of fresh veggies and tender chicken to the zesty dressing that ties it all together, every bite feels like sunshine on a plate. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your new favorite salad to share with friends and family!
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Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (assuming pasta and chicken are pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and healthy chicken pasta salad featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing made with white wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this salad balances vibrant flavors and textures in just 20 minutes.
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 Ingredients
- 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: Gather all salad components including the shredded chicken, diced avocados, chilled cooked rotini pasta, chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and freshly chopped basil.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix the shredded chicken, chilled pasta, red onion, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and basil. Be careful not to mash the avocado while mixing.
- Make the dressing: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add white wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve or chill: Serve immediately for the freshest taste or cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature as preferred.
Notes
- For best results, use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- Chilling the cooked pasta before mixing helps keep the salad refreshing and prevents sogginess.
- Be gentle when mixing to avoid mashing the avocado, retaining its creamy texture.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to substitute rotini pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne or bowtie.
