Creamy Avocado Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad Sunshine on a Plate

Creamy Avocado Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad Sunshin

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepper
• 12 ounces (340g) whole wheat pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli recommended)
• 1 cup (about 8 oz/225g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup (60g) red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (50g) crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup (30g) pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/2 cup (120ml) packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup (60ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/4 teaspoon (1g) salt
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.5g) black pepper

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
• Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium high heat. Cook chicken until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 5-7 minutes per side. Let cool slightly, then dice or shred.
• In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, basil, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, water, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
• Toast pine nuts or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese (if using). Pour avocado pesto dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
• Sprinkle toasted nuts over the salad. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	450-550
Fat	25-30g
Fiber	40-45g

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	Italian Californian

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever feel like you're stuck in a culinary rut? I get it. That's why I'm sharing this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with all the good stuff! Think creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor, but still good for you.

It's sunshine on a plate, I tell ya!

Brief Overview

This Avocado And Tomato infused pasta salad is inspired by the sun-soaked flavors of Italy and California. It's a super easy dish, ready in about 35 minutes.

You can make about 4 generous servings. It's so good.

Main Benefits

This Healthy Chicken Pasta salad is brimming with goodness. It is a fantastic source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.

It is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a potluck. Honestly, this recipe is special because it proves that healthy can be incredibly delicious!

Making the Magic Happen: Ingredients

Now, let's talk ingredients. You will need chicken breasts, whole wheat pasta (I love penne!), ripe avocados, fresh basil, and a few other bits and bobs.

Seriously, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have!

The Chicken Situation

We're talking about 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a tablespoon of olive oil, and a little salt and pepper. Honestly, nothing fancy here. We're just cooking up some delicious protein.

The Pasta Predicament

For the Pasta Salad With Pesto , you’ll need 12 ounces of your fav pasta. Then add cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese (if you are feeling fancy!).

Don't forget those toasted pine nuts or walnuts for that extra crunch!

All About that Avocado Pesto

This dressing is where the magic happens! You will need 2 ripe avocados, fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a splash of water.

Blend it all together. Get it super creamy! Taste and adjust to your liking. It’s so important.

Tools you'll Need to have

Grab a large pot, a colander, a skillet (or grill pan), a blender, and a big bowl. Get ready to get cooking.

It is so easy you will not even believe it. It is true.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Dream Salad

Right then, let's chat ingredients! You know, the stuff that makes our Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with all kinds of yum.

I reckon quality is key; no one wants a sad salad, yeah?

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks

Okay, so for the chicken, you'll want 1 pound (450g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Honestly, get the best you can afford; free range always tastes better, doesn't it? You will also need 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil, ½ teaspoon (3g) of salt, and ¼ teaspoon (1g) of black pepper.

These are basic, but essential.

For the actual salad part, grab 12 ounces (340g) of whole wheat pasta. Penne, rotini, or fusilli are all good shouts.

They hold the sauce well. Next, you'll need 1 cup (about 8 oz/225g) of cherry tomatoes (halved, mind!), ½ cup (60g) of thinly sliced red onion, and ½ cup (50g) of crumbled feta cheese if you are feeling fancy.

Toast ¼ cup (30g) of pine nuts or walnuts for some crunch.

And for the game changing Avocado Pesto, it's 2 ripe avocados , ½ cup (120ml) of fresh basil, ¼ cup (60ml) of grated Parmesan, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of olive oil, ¼ cup (60ml) of water, ¼ teaspoon (1g) of salt and ⅛ teaspoon (0.

5g) of black pepper.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauces

Essential spices, not so much, but basil is the star here. To really make that pesto sing, a good quality Parmesan is a must.

If you're short on basil, a little spinach can bulk it out, but honestly, get the basil.

For flavour enhancers, lemon juice is crucial; it cuts through the richness of the avocado. If you're feeling brave, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can add a cheeky kick.

As for the Pasta Salad With Pesto try it with some sun-dried tomatoes.

Equipment Needed: The Bare Essentials

You really don’t need fancy gear. A large pot for the pasta, a colander to drain it, a large skillet or grill pan for the chicken, and a blender or food processor for the pesto.

And obviously, a large bowl to mix everything.

If you don't have a food processor, you could carefully chop the avocado and basil really finely and mix it all by hand.

It's more effort, but totally doable. So you can make this Light Chicken Pasta Salad right now!

Cooking the Chicken Right: No More Rubber!

Alright, let's talk chicken for our Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad . Seriously though, who wants dry, rubbery chicken? Not me, and definitely not you.

Honestly, the key is all in how you cook it.

Prep Steps: Chicken Mission Control

First, mise en place, darling! Get everything ready before you even think about turning on the heat. That means chicken breasts (about a pound), olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Pat those chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Why? Because drier chicken sears better. Trust me on this one.

Now, for time saving: I like to butterfly my chicken breasts if they are super thick. It helps them cook evenly.

You know what I mean? Safety first, always! Wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken. No one wants a dodgy tummy.

Step-by-Step: From Raw to Ready

1. Season those chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Don't be shy!
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Get it nice and hot.
3. Place chicken breasts in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
4. Cook for about 5- 7 minutes per side , depending on thickness.
5. Use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) . That's the magic number.
6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before dicing or shredding. This locks in the juices.

Pro Tips: Chicken Guru

Okay, listen up. The biggest mistake people make is overcooking the chicken. It's a tragedy, I tell you! Don't do it! To keep things juicy, try brining the chicken beforehand.

Just soak it in a saltwater solution for about 30 minutes. This is the best hack ever!

You can also make the chicken ahead of time. It's perfect for meal prep. Cook it, dice it, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days .

This light chicken pasta salad is going to be the best one ever with this chicken.

Honestly, folks, that's all there is to it. Perfectly cooked chicken is the backbone of a Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad .

When that chicken tastes like it's summer, and mixed with Pasta Al Pesto , you’ll thank me later. Now go get cooking!

Recipe Notes: Nailing That Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Style

Alright, mate! Now, let's chat about those little things that can elevate your Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with avocado pesto from good to absolutely banging .

You know, the bits that make people say, "Ooh, you made this?"

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation.

Honestly, presentation is key. None of us want a beige mush, right? Think sunshine! Bright colours. Serve this summer pasta salad recipes healthy in a nice bowl.

Garnish with extra fresh basil. A sprinkle of Parmesan never hurt anyone, did it? Maybe a lemon wedge for a bit of zing.

This salad looks amazing on a bed of rocket, too. I remember when I first made this, I piled it high on a platter for a garden party and it was gone in minutes.

Remember, pasta salad with pesto looks fantastic!

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh.

Right, so you've made this masterpiece, but you've got leftovers. No worries. In a sealed container, this light chicken pasta salad keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.

The avocado pesto might darken a bit, but it’s still perfectly safe and yummy to eat. I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, though; the pasta can get a bit mushy.

Reheating? Best served cold, my friend!

Variations: Swapping it Up.

Fancy a change? Sorted. Got a friend who's avoiding gluten? Use gluten free pasta. Bob's your uncle! For a healthy chicken pasta option, load up on extra veggies.

Bell peppers, cucumber, courgette go wild. If you're going dairy free, nutritional yeast stands in for the Parmesan. Easy peasy.

You can also vary the recipe by making a chicken avocado pasta salad recipe . If you fancy a creamy version, try using creamy pesto pasta salad with chicken .

And if you're feeling adventurous, try Pasta Al Pesto instead.

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body.

Okay, let's keep it real. This is a tasty, and relatively healthy dish. I remember when I first made this salad I was so excited about the avocado and tomato combination.

It's packed with protein from the chicken, and good fats from the avocado. The whole wheat pasta adds fiber. It's a decent balance, even if I do say so myself! Just watch those portion sizes.

You know what they say, "Everything in moderation, including moderation!"

So there you have it. Now go forth and make this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with your own flair! You've got this.

And remember, even if it doesn't turn out perfect the first time, it'll still taste amazing. Happy cooking!