Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
If you are looking for a vibrant, nourishing, and absolutely delicious dish to brighten up your lunch or dinner, this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together tender cooked chicken, creamy avocado, and juicy cherry tomatoes tossed with al dente rotini pasta and fresh herbs, all coated with a zesty homemade dressing. This salad strikes the perfect balance between wholesome ingredients and bold flavors, making it a refreshing meal that’s both satisfying and good for you. Whether you’re packing a lunch or feeding guests, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients, each bringing unique texture and flavor to the bowl. From the creamy avocados adding healthy fats, to the ripe cherry tomatoes lending bursts of sweetness, every component plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect harmony of taste and color.
- 2 medium cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here for ease and added juiciness.
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced: Choose avocados that give slightly to gentle pressure for creamy texture without being mushy.
- 1 pound cooked rotini pasta, chilled: The spiral shape helps hold the dressing and mix-ins beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and crunch to contrast the creamy avocado.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy, they bring bright pops of color and fresh flavor.
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped basil: Aromatic and herbaceous, basil elevates the whole salad with its fresh green notes.
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar: The acidity in the vinegar cuts through the richness and adds brightness.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the dressing flavors together.
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Brings richness and a smooth mouthfeel to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: For fine-tuning the dressing seasoning.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Begin by shredding or chopping your cooked chicken breasts—rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here that adds incredible flavor with minimal effort. Cook and chill your rotini pasta ahead of time so it’s firm and ready to hold the dressing. Dice ripe avocados just before mixing to ensure they stay fresh and creamy, then chop the red onion and halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely chop fresh basil last to preserve its vibrant aroma and color.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Elements
In a large bowl, gently toss together the shredded chicken, chilled rotini pasta, chopped red onion, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and freshly chopped basil. The key here is to mix carefully so you distribute everything evenly without mashing the avocado or bruising the tomatoes.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Shake up your dressing ingredients by combining white wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, extra virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper in a jar with a tight lid. Shake vigorously until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth. This easy homemade dressing is what brings all the ingredients together with a bright, tangy finish.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over your salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every bite gets coated in that flavorful dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to perfectly bring out the flavors.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
You can serve the Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp textures, or cover and refrigerate for an hour or more to let the flavors meld beautifully. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser packed with wholesome goodness.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra freshly chopped basil or a handful of toasted pine nuts on top just before serving to add an aromatic lift and a bit of crunch. A light grating of Parmesan cheese also complements the flavors beautifully if you want a touch of savory richness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crusty whole-grain bread or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus, which provide extra color and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or in small mason jars for individual portions on the go. You can also arrange it over mixed greens for a layered effect, turning the dish into a composed salad that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days since avocado can oxidize and turn slightly brown over time, though a quick stir can revive its appearance.
Freezing
Because of the fresh avocado and cherry tomatoes, this pasta salad does not freeze well. Freezing will change the texture, making the avocado mushy and watery upon thawing. It’s better to prepare the salad fresh or store leftovers in the fridge.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it straight from the fridge for a refreshing meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for catching dressing and mixing, you can use penne, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta based on your preference. Just make sure to cook and chill the pasta before combining.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
To slow browning, add the avocado to the salad just before serving or toss it gently with a bit of lemon or lime juice. The acidity helps maintain the bright green color and freshness.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply omit the chicken and consider adding chickpeas or grilled tofu for protein. The other ingredients will still create a satisfying and flavorful salad.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat for maximum freshness, then toss everything together.
What should I use if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
Feel free to make your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary if you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand. The fresh basil in the recipe also adds fantastic herbaceous flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is a true gem that combines ease, freshness, and nutrition all in one bowl. Its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures make it an all-season crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for meals at home or on the go. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed pasta salads without the bright punch of avocado and juicy tomatoes!
Print
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining tender shredded chicken, creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil with a tangy Italian dressing, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s ideal for meal prepping or entertaining with a refreshing Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
- 1 pound cooked rotini pasta, 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 Ingredients
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad ingredients: Gather and prepare all the main salad components. Shred or chop the cooked chicken breasts, dice the ripe avocados carefully to avoid mashing, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the red onion finely, and chop the basil leaves fresh. Ensure the rotini pasta is cooked and chilled beforehand.
- Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the shredded chicken, chilled rotini pasta, chopped red onion, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and freshly chopped basil. Use a soft folding technique to keep the avocado intact and distribute ingredients evenly.
- Make the dressing: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the white wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Close the lid securely and shake vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified and well combined.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every ingredient evenly with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve or chill: You can serve the chicken pasta salad immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors, or cover and refrigerate it to allow the flavors to develop and meld for later serving. This dish is delicious served cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- Chilling the pasta before mixing helps maintain the salad’s texture.
- For best avocado results, add it just before serving to prevent browning.
- This salad can be customized with other fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
- Perfect for meal prep—store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for pasta cooking if not pre-cooked)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
