This tasty chicken pasta salad is packed with colorful veggies like ripe tomatoes and creamy avocado. It’s light, fresh, and perfect for any day!
I love how quick it is to whip up—just toss everything together and you’re good to go! It’s a great meal for lunch or a picnic, and who doesn’t love an easy dish? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This pasta shape is great for holding onto the dressing and flavors. If you don’t have rotini, you can use penne, fusilli, or even whole grain options for a healthier twist.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my favorite for its ease. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken if you’re short on time.
Avocado: A ripe avocado adds creaminess. If you’re allergic or don’t like avocado, try using mashed peas instead for a similar texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness really brightens the salad. Grape tomatoes are a good substitute, or you can use diced regular tomatoes if that’s what you have.
Olive Oil: This is my go-to dressing base. If olive oil isn’t available, avocado oil or even a light vegetable oil works pretty well too!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Pasta?
Cooking pasta perfectly is key for a great salad. You want it to be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the rotini and cook according to package instructions, usually around 7-10 minutes.
- Taste a piece a minute or two before the timer goes off to check for doneness.
- Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down for your salad.
Don’t forget to give your pasta a stir while it’s cooking to prevent it from sticking together!
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad With Avocado and Tomato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and prepping the ingredients. Additionally, you can chill the salad for about 30 minutes if you like, for a total of 50 minutes if you choose to let the flavors meld!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will stop the cooking process and keep the pasta nice and firm. Set the cooled pasta aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In the same large mixing bowl with the cooled pasta, add the shredded chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, diced cucumber, and chopped basil. Mix everything together gently to keep the avocado from getting mushy.
3. Whisk Together the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This will create a tasty dressing that brings all the flavors together. Make sure it’s well combined!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over your pasta salad and toss it gently. Ensure that all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing, but be careful not to mush the avocado.
5. Serve or Chill:
Now, you can serve your pasta salad right away, or for an extra burst of flavor, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld perfectly! Enjoy your healthy chicken pasta salad!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and will add more fiber to your salad. Just be mindful that it might take a minute longer to cook than regular rotini, so be sure to check the package instructions for the best results.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken?
If you’re looking to switch it up, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just make sure whatever you choose is fully cooked before adding it to the salad!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the avocado might brown slightly, so you can add a bit more lemon juice to help preserve its color and flavor.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This salad is very versatile. Feel free to add in bell peppers, spinach, or even steamed broccoli. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces to ensure they mix well with the other ingredients.
