This healthy chicken pasta salad is packed with colorful tomatoes and creamy avocado, making it both yummy and good for you! It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
I love how it’s easy to whip up and can be enjoyed cold, making it a great option for hot days. Plus, who can resist that creamy avocado goodness? Yum! 🥑🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral shape holds onto the dressing well. You can swap it for any pasta, like penne or fusilli, or even gluten-free varieties such as quinoa or chickpea pasta if needed.
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is flexible and can be substituted with canned chicken or even a plant-based option like chickpeas for a vegetarian version. I love using leftover chicken for an easy meal prep!
Avocado: Fresh avocado adds creaminess. If you want a substitute, try using diced cucumbers or some silken tofu blended until smooth for a creamy texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, you can replace them with chopped regular tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or even roasted bell peppers for slight sweetness.
Red Onion: The sharp flavor brings contrast. If you’re looking for a milder taste, green onions or even finely chopped shallots will work nicely.
Basil: Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma. You can swap it for parsley or even spinach if fresh basil isn’t available. Dried herbs could work too but use less since they’re more potent.
How Can I Make the Perfect Dressing for My Pasta Salad?
A great dressing ties the whole salad together. It’s essential to balance flavors for a tasty finish. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with a quality olive oil as your base. It should be fresh and flavorful!
- For acidity, red wine vinegar works, but a splash of lemon juice adds brightness, too.
- Whisk in the minced garlic; you can adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Don’t forget salt and pepper. Start with a pinch of each, taste, and adjust according to your liking.
This dressing is simple but effective. Make sure to mix it well before adding it to the salad, ensuring even flavor distribution!
How to Make Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad will take you about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll need around 10 minutes for cooking the pasta and assembling the salad, plus about 30 minutes if you want to let it chill in the fridge to enhance the flavors. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water and cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. This will stop the cooking process and prevent it from getting mushy. Set the cooled pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and fresh basil leaves. These vibrant ingredients will give your salad a fresh and colorful look!
3. Whisk Together the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), and minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, then whisk everything together until it’s well blended. This will be your tasty dressing to enhance your salad!
4. Combine Everything Together:
Now it’s time to combine! Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the chicken and vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve the salad right away, or if you have time, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This will allow all those wonderful flavors to meld together nicely. Either way, enjoy your healthy chicken pasta salad!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free rotini or any other gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as cooking times for gluten-free pasta can vary.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Pasta Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado may brown slightly, but you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to help maintain its color. When ready to eat, simply toss again, and add a bit more dressing if needed!
Can I Substitute Ingredients?
Yes! You can swap out the chicken for canned chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option. Additionally, feel free to use seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini instead of red onion. Just make sure any substitutions are chopped into bite-sized pieces for even mixing.
Is There a Way to Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the chicken, pasta, and veggies ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh. Mix it all together about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
