This colorful pasta salad is packed with tender chicken, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes. It’s light, fresh, and perfect for any mealtime!
I love how easy it is to whip up when I’m short on time! Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a tasty dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because its twists hold the dressing wonderfully. If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or elbow macaroni will work great too!
Cooked Chicken: I often use rotisserie chicken for its convenience, but you can use grilled chicken breast or even leftover chicken from another meal.
Avocado: A ripe avocado adds creaminess. If you need a substitute, try using Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, but be aware it won’t have the same texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color. You can swap for diced regular tomatoes if that’s all you have, but slice them smaller so they mix well.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil offers a lovely flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use dried basil or parsley as an alternative.
How Do You Cook Pasta Perfectly for Salad?
Cooking pasta to the right texture is key for a satisfying pasta salad. Here’s how to achieve the perfect al dente pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the pasta. The salt adds flavor!
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions, checking a minute or two before the time is up.
- For al dente, the pasta should be firm to the bite but cooked through – don’t overcook!
- Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down for your salad.
Following these steps ensures your pasta salad has the right texture and won’t get mushy. Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Protein:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
Fresh Veggies:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble. If you’d like the flavors to meld nicely, you can let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. So, in total, allow for about 45 minutes if you choose to refrigerate it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means it should have a slight bite to it). Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded cooked chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh basil. These colorful ingredients will make your salad look and taste amazing!
3. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined and you have a nice dressing to drizzle over your salad.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. This is the magic moment where flavors come together!
5. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste your salad. If you think it needs a little more flavor, adjust the seasoning by adding a bit more salt or lemon juice according to your preference.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh crunch or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a delightful meal!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works just as well. Just cook it according to the package instructions, and it will still taste delicious in this salad!
How Do I Keep the Avocado from Browning?
To minimize browning, try tossing the diced avocado in a bit of lemon juice before adding it to the salad. This will help keep it fresh and green for longer!
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! You can easily make this salad vegan by substituting the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a protein boost. Just be sure to check that your pasta is also egg-free!
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The avocado might brown a little, but it will still taste delicious!
