This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad is colorful and packed with goodness! It features tender chicken, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and pasta, all tossed together for a tasty meal.
Honestly, who can resist that blend of flavors? It’s like a sunshine party in a bowl! 🌞 I love making this salad ahead of time; it tastes even better after flavors mingle in the fridge!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This pasta shape holds the dressing and other ingredients well. If rotini isn’t available, you can use fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast gives this salad its protein punch. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or swap it with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Avocado: Diced avocado adds creaminess. If you’re not a fan, try using diced cucumber or a bit of Greek yogurt for a similar texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add a sweet burst of flavor. If out of season, you can use halved grape tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste.
Olive Oil: This is the base of the dressing. For a different flavor, you could replace it with avocado oil or a flavored oil like garlic oil.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad Has the Perfect Texture?
Cooking the pasta correctly is essential. To get the perfect al dente texture, follow these simple steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the rotini and boil according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Check it a minute or two before the time is up; it should be slightly firm but not hard.
- Once done, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down for the salad.
By rinsing, you help keep it from sticking together and ensure it stays light and fluffy!
How to Make Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
Fresh Ingredients:
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing chicken pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you choose to chill it, add an extra 30 minutes. So, you’re looking at a total of about 45 minutes if you wait for those flavors to come together! Perfect for a quick meal or a potluck!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once it’s al dente, drain it and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will also stop the cooking process and prevent it from getting mushy.
2. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked pasta with the shredded chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and fresh basil leaves. Gently mix everything together so you don’t mash the avocado. We want those beautiful chunks in our salad!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This dressing will give your salad a tasty kick, so make sure it’s well mixed.
4. Combine and Serve:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are nicely coated. If you’re going to serve it immediately, dig in! If you prefer letting the flavors meld, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy and delicious chicken pasta salad!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute rotini with any other pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions until al dente for the best texture.
How to Keep Avocado From Browning?
To prevent the avocado from browning quickly, you can add a bit of extra lemon juice to the diced avocado before mixing it into the salad. Alternatively, serve the salad right after preparation for the freshest taste!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If possible, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat; this will help maintain the freshness of the ingredients!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, or chickpeas for extra protein. You could also add some feta cheese for flavor if you wish!
