This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil is a vibrant and nutritious dish perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep. Combining tender chicken, creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, all tossed in a tangy Italian-style vinaigrette, this salad is light yet satisfying. It’s a refreshing option that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
2 medium cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped
2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
1 pound cooked rotini pasta (or similar), chilled
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon basil pesto
1 teaspoon mayonnaise (optional)
Directions:
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, chopped red onion, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Prepare the Dressing: In a jar or bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and olive oil. Stir in the basil pesto and mayonnaise (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients. Serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for a refreshing cold salad later.
Serving Tips:
Serve Chilled or Room Temperature: This chicken pasta salad is delicious both cold and at room temperature. If you’ve chilled it, give it a quick toss before serving to refresh the flavors.
Garnish for Extra Flavor: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a dash of extra cracked pepper.
Pair with Complementary Dishes: This salad pairs well with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, grilled vegetables, or a light soup. It also makes a great standalone dish for a light lunch or dinner.
Portion Control: For easy serving at gatherings or as part of a meal prep plan, consider using individual serving bowls. This helps with portion control and makes serving simpler.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen and improve after a few hours in the fridge.
Avoid Over-Mixing: If you’re planning to store leftovers, try to avoid over-mixing the salad with the dressing. Store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming too soggy.
Freezing: While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. To do so, store the salad without the avocado, as it doesn’t freeze well. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and add fresh avocado just before serving.
Reviving Leftovers: If the salad appears a bit dry after storage, you can revive it by adding a splash of olive oil or a little extra vinaigrette to refresh its texture and flavor.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer or have on hand. Rotini, fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta can be great alternatives. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente and chilled before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep it fresh, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. This will help prevent the pasta from becoming too soggy.
Can I substitute the avocado in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use avocado or need a substitute, you can use diced cucumber or bell peppers for a different texture and flavor. However, avocado adds a creamy texture and rich flavor that’s hard to replicate exactly.
Is this pasta salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be portioned into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain the salad’s freshness and texture.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re hosting a summer party or prepping meals for the week, this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil is a delicious and nutritious choice. Enjoy the bright flavors and wholesome ingredients in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Looking for a refreshing and nutritious dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep? Try this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil! This vibrant salad combines tender chicken, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a tangy Italian-style vinaigrette. It’s light yet satisfying, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
2 medium cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped
2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
1 pound cooked rotini pasta (or similar), chilled
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon basil pesto
1 teaspoon mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked pasta, chopped red onion, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil.
- In a jar or bowl, whisk together white wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and olive oil. Stir in the basil pesto and mayonnaise (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for later.
Notes
For the freshest flavor, add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
If storing leftovers, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to avoid soggy pasta.
This salad can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 430 kcal
Keywords: Chicken Pasta Salad, Healthy Pasta Salad, Avocado Salad, Summer Salad Recipe, Italian Pasta Salad
