Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 96 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato is a vibrant, fresh, and nutritious dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining tender shredded chicken, creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil with a tangy Italian vinaigrette, this salad is both satisfying and wholesome. Featuring rotini pasta for a delightful texture and a simple homemade dressing, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
  • 1 pound cooked rotini pasta or similar, 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

  1. 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. Season lightly with salt and freshly cracked pepper to start building layers of flavor.
  2. Make the dressing: In a separate jar or small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, extra virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper until well emulsified. This simple vinaigrette adds a tangy and herby note to the salad.
  3. Toss the salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the chicken pasta mixture. Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful to avoid mashing the avocado while mixing.
  4. Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste or cover and refrigerate for later. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead dish. Enjoy your healthy chicken pasta salad as a wholesome meal or a satisfying side dish.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful protein addition.
  • Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and chill it before mixing.
  • Be gentle when tossing to keep avocado pieces intact.
  • Feel free to add other fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for variation.
  • This salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Find it online: https://piesbypaula.com/healthy-chicken-pasta-salad-with-avocado-and-cherry-tomatoes-recipe/