If you’re searching for a dish that’s as fresh and colorful as it is satisfying, look no further than this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato. Every bite is a celebration of juicy chicken, creamy avocado, and sweet cherry tomatoes, tossed together with wholesome pasta and zesty dressing. It’s not only a breeze to make but absolutely perfect for a quick lunch, meal prep, or taking along to your next picnic. This salad truly shines as a protein-packed meal that leaves you full, nourished, and reaching for seconds—trust me, it’s a game-changer for your healthy recipe lineup!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun with this recipe—the vibrant mix creates a flavor and texture symphony you’ll absolutely love. Each component brings something essential, whether it’s crunch, creaminess, tang, or that addictive herby kick. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato come alive:
- Whole wheat pasta: Rotini or penne works best here, offering a hearty base and extra fiber for staying power.
- Cooked and shredded chicken breast: Lean, juicy protein that soaks up the dressing beautifully—leftover or rotisserie chicken is perfect!
- Ripe avocado: Diced just before mixing in, this gives each bite a creamy, buttery texture and nutrient boost.
- Cherry tomatoes: These deliver bright, sweet bursts of flavor and add gorgeous color.
- Red onion: Thin slices provide a light crunch and mild sharpness that balances the creamy ingredients.
- Fresh basil leaves: Chopped basil adds an aromatic pop of freshness that pulls everything together.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta lends a salty, tangy element that lifts the entire salad.
- Olive oil: A drizzle of good quality oil ensures silkiness in every forkful.
- Lemon juice: The zestiness of lemon juice brightens the dressing and keeps the salad light.
- Dijon mustard: Gives your dressing a subtle kick and ties the flavors together seamlessly.
- Garlic: Minced garlic blends with the dressing, infusing bold flavor throughout the salad.
- Salt and black pepper: Season generously to elevate all the beautiful ingredients and let them shine.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. You want the pasta perfectly al dente—firm, but cooked through—so it holds up when tossed with the other goodies later. Once it’s done, drain and rinse it under cold water to immediately cool it down and stop the cooking process. This chilling step is what makes the salad so refreshing!
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Give it a good whisk until it’s fully combined and a little emulsified. This bright, garlicky dressing is the backbone of your Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and it’s what ties every ingredient together.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Now for the fun part! Place the cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl, then add your cooked shredded chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, chopped basil, and crumbled feta cheese. Each of these plays their part: the chicken for protein, avocado for creaminess, tomatoes for sweetness, onion and basil for zing, and feta for savoriness.
Step 4: Add the Dressing and Toss
Pour your freshly whisked dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss everything together gently. You want to coat all of the pasta and mix-ins, but try to keep the avocado cubes intact so they remain beautifully creamy in the salad. Once combined, taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Chill or Serve
You can enjoy the Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato right away, but letting it chill in the fridge for up to two hours helps all those incredible flavors meld together. If you’re not serving immediately, wait to add the avocado until just before eating so it stays perfectly green and vibrant!
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato
Garnishes
To finish your Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, try a final shower of extra chopped basil or a sprinkle of more feta cheese right before serving. A few fresh grinds of black pepper or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil never hurt either! These little touches elevate the salad from simple to absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
This salad is already a complete meal, but if you want a little something extra, pair it with crusty whole grain bread or a bowl of your favorite summer soup. For an al fresco picnic, consider serving it alongside grilled veggies or a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for beautiful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try serving the Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato in individual mason jars or cute cups for effortless grab-and-go portions. Or for a lunchbox upgrade, pack it into bento boxes with extra veggies and some fruit on the side—your coworkers (or kids) will be so jealous! It also looks gorgeous piled into a big colorful bowl at potlucks and barbecues.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To keep the avocado at its freshest, toss it with a bit of lemon juice, or simply add fresh avocado cubes just before you’re ready to dig in again. Stir well before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Freezing
While most pasta salads don’t freeze well because the textures can suffer, this one is best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated. The avocado especially doesn’t love the freezer—stick to making what you’ll eat soon for the creamiest, tastiest results.
Reheating
This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. But if you prefer the chicken not too chilly, let the salad sit on the counter for 15 minutes before serving to take off the fridge-cold edge.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. Canned tuna, cooked shrimp, or chickpeas all work brilliantly as substitutes for chicken, making the salad flexible for different diets and preferences.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
The best trick is to add avocado just before serving. You can also toss diced avocado with a squeeze of lemon juice to slow down browning if you’re prepping ahead. This keeps your Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato looking as fresh as it tastes.
Which pasta shapes work best in this salad?
Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli are ideal because they hold the dressing and mix-ins better, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. Whole wheat or gluten-free versions both work great!
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Totally! Simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative for a still-creamy, tangy result. You’ll keep all the delicious textures and flavors in your Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
It sure is! Assemble all the ingredients except avocado and store the salad in the fridge; add fresh avocado just before serving. This way, you have a ready-to-go meal that tastes great for lunch or dinner all week long.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato enough—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy days and sunny gatherings alike. Packed with colorful veggies and lean protein, it’s crave-worthy, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable. Whip it up, share it with friends, and watch it disappear!
Print
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato is a refreshing and wholesome dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fresh veggies, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil, and feta cheese.
- Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with canned tuna or chickpeas for a different protein source.
- For extra crunch, add chopped cucumber or bell peppers.
- To keep the avocado from browning, add just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
