This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of tasty chicken, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes. It’s packed with flavor and brings a fresh twist to your lunch or dinner!
Honestly, I can’t get enough of that creamy avocado in this salad. It makes everything feel just a little more special! Pair it with some crunchy veggies, and you’ve got a winner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, but feel free to swap it for whole wheat pasta for more fiber or gluten-free options like rotini made from chickpeas or quinoa.
Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and convenience. If you’re cooking from scratch, grill or bake some chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper. Leftover grilled chicken also works nicely.
Avocado: Always pick ripe avocados that give slightly when you squeeze them. If avocados aren’t available, consider using cubed cucumber for crunch, though it won’t have the same creamy texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness and color. You can substitute them with chopped bell peppers for added crunch or swap in sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor profile.
Fresh Basil: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can work as substitutes if basil is out of season. Dried basil can also be used, but scale back to a teaspoon since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Stays Fresh and Tasty?
To keep your pasta salad fresh, it’s crucial to rinse the pasta after cooking. This stops the cooking process and helps it cool down faster, preventing it from becoming mushy. Here are some tips:
- Cook pasta al dente for the best texture; it should still have a slight bite.
- Cool the pasta completely by rinsing it under cold water and draining well.
- Combine the dressing just before serving or up to an hour in advance. This helps prevent sogginess from the ingredients releasing moisture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Add a splash of olive oil before serving again to refresh it.
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad With Avocado and Tomato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (you can use rotisserie chicken)
- 1 medium avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare. You can serve it immediately or let it chill in the fridge for up to an hour for the flavors to blend beautifully. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to cool it down. This will help stop the cooking process and keep your salad light and fresh. Set the pasta aside in a large bowl.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In the bowl with the cooled pasta, add in the shredded chicken. Then, toss in the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and fresh basil. Mix everything together gently so you don’t mash the avocado.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar (or lemon juice), salt, pepper, and garlic (if you’re using it). Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and look smooth.
4. Dress the Salad:
Now it’s time to pour the dressing over your pasta salad! Gently toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated in the delicious dressing.
5. Taste and Serve:
Give your salad a taste. If you think it needs more seasoning, sprinkle in a little more salt or pepper. Serve it right away, or if you prefer, you can refrigerate it for up to an hour to let the flavors meld. Enjoy your healthy chicken pasta salad!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for the rotini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different types of pasta may require shorter or longer cooking times. Be sure to rinse it under cold water to cool it down, just like traditional pasta.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for added protein. You can also swap the mayonnaise for a vegan alternative or use extra olive oil and lemon juice for the dressing. Just make sure to check that the pasta is vegan-friendly, as some may contain egg.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The avocado may brown slightly, so if you’re preparing it ahead of time, consider adding the avocado right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, cucumber, or corn can be great additions. Just chop them up to a similar size to the other ingredients for an even mix!
