This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad is packed with fresh flavors! It’s made with tender chicken, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil—perfect for a light meal.
What’s great about this dish is that it keeps you satisfied without weighing you down. Plus, you can whip it up in no time—ideal for busy days when you crave something tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This fun, curly pasta shape holds the dressing and other ingredients well. If you want to switch things up, use penne or fusilli for similar textures.
Chicken Breast: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, plus it adds more flavor. If you need a vegetarian option, consider chickpeas or white beans for protein.
Avocado: Fresh, diced avocado adds creaminess. If you’re in a pinch, try using diced cucumber for a crunchier alternative or skip it for a lighter salad.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes brighten up the dish with sweetness. Grape tomatoes or even chopped regular tomatoes can work instead if needed.
Olive Oil: This is the base for your dressing. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or avocado oil for a different flavor twist.
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta Isn’t Sticky?
To prevent sticky pasta, follow these simple steps:
- Cook the rotini in a large pot of rolling salted water. This helps flavor the pasta as it cooks.
- After draining, rinse the pasta briefly with cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps keep it from clumping together.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the cooled pasta and toss it gently. This adds a little moisture and prevents sticking.
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How to Make Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad With Avocado, Tomato, And Basil
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 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 healthy chicken pasta salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare. If you’d like to let the flavors blend, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes before serving. So, all in all, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish if you include chilling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside to cool. You want the pasta to be nice and cool when you mix everything together!
2. Preparing the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped basil. This vibrant mix will give your salad lots of flavor and color!
3. Making the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This dressing will add a nice zing to your salad!
4. Mixing the Salad:
Now it’s time to combine everything! Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the chicken and veggies. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well coated in that delicious dressing.
5. Serving Options:
Enjoy your pasta salad right away, or for an even tastier dish, cover it and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it up, and enjoy your healthy meal!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Rotini?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great healthy substitution that adds extra fiber. Just cook it according to the package instructions, and keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly from traditional pasta.
What Can I Use Instead of Avocado?
If you’re looking for a substitute, consider using cubed cucumber or diced bell peppers for a crunchy texture. Keep in mind that avocado adds creaminess, so you could also mix in a little Greek yogurt for creaminess without using avocado.
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may thicken or separate while stored.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add in vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for more color and nutrition. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces to keep the salad balanced.
