There’s something wonderfully refreshing about a bowl of pasta salad on a warm, sunny day. I remember the first time I made a pasta salad on a lazy afternoon, inspired by the fresh produce spilling over from my farmers’ market haul. With vibrant colors and textures, the salad was not just a dish but a celebration of summer on a plate. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that embodies that same joy: a Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado. This salad is an ode to wholesome ingredients, bringing together tender pasta, juicy chicken, creamy avocado, and crunchy veggies in one delightful bowl.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 0 minutes (using already cooked ingredients)
- Total Duration: 15 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 4
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 350 calories
- Protein: 25 grams
- Carbs: 40 grams
- Fats: 15 grams
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Sugars: 3 grams
- Sodium: 300 mg
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado
This pasta salad is a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that works for any occasion. It’s perfect for casual lunches, picnics in the park, or backyard barbecues. The combination of creamy avocado and zesty lemon juice acts as a delightful dressing that coats each ingredient, binding them together in harmony. Best of all, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to keep you energized throughout the day!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Making this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado is a straightforward venture. With minimal prep time, you can throw this together in just 15 minutes. It’s one of those recipes that brings the family together, whether it’s a busy weekday meal or a special gathering. Let’s dive deeper into the steps to create this colorful, nutritious dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. The colors will be vibrant and inviting!
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You want to make sure all flavors meld perfectly, creating a zesty dressing.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients without mushering the avocado. Each bite should burst with flavor and freshness.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. If you like it cold, giving it some time in the fridge will help the flavors deepen!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This pasta salad pairs beautifully with a cold glass of sparkling lemonade or iced tea. For a complete meal, serve it alongside garlic bread or a simple green salad. It also stands alone as a fantastic lunch option!
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado may darken slightly but remains tasty. To prevent this, you can sprinkle a bit of extra lemon juice over the avocado before storing.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
For perfectly cooked pasta, ensure to follow the package instructions for al dente texture. Avoid overcooking, as leftovers will continue to soften when combined with the dressing. When selecting an avocado, choose one that gives slightly when pressed to ensure ripeness.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to customize based on your preferences! Add bell peppers for crunch, swap chicken for canned tuna, or include olives for an extra savory note. Need a vegetarian option? Replace chicken with chickpeas for a protein boost!
Reader Questions & Solutions
- Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works perfectly in this recipe. - What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
You can substitute with other herbs like cilantro or basil for a different twist on flavor. - How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Adding lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps slow down browning. - Can I meal prep this salad?
Yes, just prepare the dressing separately and combine everything right before serving. - What should I do if I don’t have cooked chicken?
You can quickly boil or grill chicken breasts beforehand or use rotisserie chicken for convenience!
Wrapping Up
This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado is not just a meal; it’s a garden of flavors and a chance to embrace the freshness of each ingredient. Whether you’re gathering for a family lunch or preparing meal prep for the week, this salad delivers every time. I hope you find joy in making it just as I have, letting every bite celebrate the beauty of wholesome cooking. So grab your ingredients and dive into this culinary adventure—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Description
A refreshing bowl of pasta salad featuring tender pasta, juicy chicken, creamy avocado, and crunchy veggies, perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent avocado from browning, sprinkle lemon juice before storing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
