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
Scale
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
