Creamy Dreamy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado Tomato
Creamy Dreamy Chicken Pasta Salad With Avocado T
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
Ready for a Posh Picnic?
Fancy a taste of sunshine? Are you searching for something fresh and flavourful? This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with avocado and tomato is just the ticket.
Honestly, it's like a holiday in a bowl! It's a vibrant, healthy twist on the old classic.
What’s the Big Deal with This Salad?
This isn't your nan's stodgy pasta salad. This Chicken Avocado Salad Recipe boasts tender chicken, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta.
It's all swimming in a zesty lemon herb dressing. This is a Summer Pasta Salad with Chicken .
This dreamy dish is inspired by sunny Italian flavors with a Californian healthy eating vibe. It’s super easy to make.
Plus, it's ready in about 35 minutes! This recipe yields 4-6 servings. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a picnic in the park, or a quick supper.
Why You'll Love This Salad
One of the best things is that it's packed with goodness. Think lean protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the avocado. This Salad With Avocado gives you a proper boost.
This Healthy Chicken Pasta is spot-on for a BBQ or a casual get-together. I reckon what makes this recipe special is its simplicity.
It is also fresh, and the bursting flavors. You are going to love this Easy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe . It feels like a proper treat without any of the guilt.
Now, let's get started with the ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment for Your New Favorite Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad
Ready to whip up the most banging Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado you've ever tasted? Let's dive into the bits and bobs you'll need.
Trust me, this Chicken Avocado Salad Recipe is so easy, it's practically foolproof! I have even been known to do it while having a cuppa'.
Main Ingredients for Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Tomato
- Pasta: 1 pound (450g) . Rotini, penne, or fusilli are proper lush, innit?
- Chicken: 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Or, cheat like I do sometimes and use 2 cups shredded cooked chicken.
- Avocado: 2 ripe avocados, diced.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (500g) , halved.
- Red Onion: 1/2 cup (75g) , finely chopped. Honestly, the smaller, the better!
- Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup (5g) , chopped. Adds that something something , you know?
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (5g) , chopped.
- Feta Cheese: 1/4 cup (40g) , crumbled. Totally optional, but gives it a right nice tang.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Obviously.
Quality indicators: For your avocados, give them a gentle squeeze. If they give slightly, they're good to go. Rock hard? Leave 'em be.
Super Seasoning Notes
Right, so what makes this Light Chicken Pasta Salad so special? The seasoning, obvs!
- Essential Spice Combinations: Lemon, oregano, and a tiny bit of red pepper flakes. It's like sunshine in your mouth, I swear.
- Flavor Enhancers: Fresh garlic is an absolute must! Don't be shy, mince that clove good.
- Quick Substitution: No fresh herbs? Dried will do in a pinch. Just use less, yeah? 1 teaspoon dried for every 1 tablespoon fresh.
Essential Equipment You'll Need
Alright, let's get to the tools of the trade for this Easy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe . Don't need anything fancy, promise.
- Large pot for pasta
- Skillet for chicken (if not using pre-cooked)
- Big mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
Honestly, that's it. No need for a Michelin star kitchen to get this Summer Pasta Salad with Chicken tasting amazing. And if you are anything like me you have had all of this forever.
Cooking Method: Assembling Our Creamy Dreamy Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado
Right then, let’s talk about how we actually put together this cracking Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad . It’s easier than boiling an egg, honestly.
We are making a Summer Pasta Salad with Chicken . This Chicken Pasta Salad is going to be a banger.
Prep Steps The "Mise en Place" Magic
Honestly, the key to any good recipe is getting your stuff sorted first. Mise en place , as the posh chefs say.
- Essential ingredients: Dice your avocado, halve your cherry tomatoes, and chop that red onion finely. Get your herbs ready too. Nobody wants to be faffing about when the pasta's ready!
- Time Saving Tip: Use pre-cooked chicken if you're short on time. It saves about 20 minutes , and it's just as tasty. I've used leftover roast chicken loads of times.
- Safety first: Remember to use a sharp knife and watch your fingers when chopping. We don't want any casualties.
Step-by-Step: Pasta Perfection
This is where the magic happens, trust me. This Chicken Avocado Salad Recipe will be one to remember.
- Cook your pasta. Until al dente. Drain it and rinse it with cold water.
- If using raw chicken, cook it. Until it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Then dice or shred it.
- Whisk together the dressing. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey (if you are using it), oregano, red pepper flakes (if you are using it), salt, and pepper.
- In a big bowl, chuck in the pasta, chicken, avocado, tomatoes, onion, herbs and feta.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Chill (optional, but seriously, do it). For at least 30 minutes. Let the flavours mingle.
- Serve – and prepare for compliments!
Pro Tips - Elevate Your Salad
Want to make this Light Chicken Pasta Salad even better? Here's how.
- Expert Tip: Toss the avocado in lemon juice right after dicing it. This stops it from browning.
- Common mistake: Overcooking the pasta. Undercook it slightly so that it has a bite to it. Nobody likes mushy pasta.
- Make Ahead: Make the dressing a day ahead of time. This allows the flavours to meld. Honestly, it makes a big difference. This Avocado Pasta Salad will have everyone talking. If you fancy trying a different variant then you can have fun with a Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Salad . So there you have it, a Healthy Chicken Pasta dish that’s not only good for you but tastes great too. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Right, so you're about to whip up this banging Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with avocado and tomato. Awesome! Here are a few extra bits to make it even easier.
Honestly, it's already pretty straightforward, but these should help.
Serving it Up!
Okay, so plating is key, innit? I reckon piling this Summer Pasta Salad with Chicken into a big bowl looks proper inviting.
Garnish with extra basil, because why not? For sides, think simple. Some crusty bread for soaking up the dressing is a must! And a glass of chilled white wine? Sorted.
Sorted Storage
Right, leftovers. If you have any (unlikely!), pop them in an airtight container. This Light Chicken Pasta Salad will keep in the fridge for up to three days.
Don't freeze it, though! The avocado goes all weird, you know? When you are ready to dive in again, give it a good stir before eating.
Switching Things Up
Want to make it your own? Of course, you do! For a dairy free version, just skip the feta. Easy peasy! Or swap the tomatoes for some roasted peppers in the autumn.
That gives it a lovely smoky taste. Fancy making Avocado Pasta Salad vegetarian? Just ditch the chicken.
Nutrition Nutshell
Right, so a serving of this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad has around 500 calories. It's packed with protein from the chicken.
Plus, you've got good fats from the avocado and loads of vitamins from all the veggies. It's a Chicken Avocado Salad Recipe that tastes good and is good for you.
Honestly, you've got this! This Easy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is totally foolproof. Have a go, get creative, and enjoy every mouthful.
Seriously, that Healthy Chicken Pasta will be the best thing you've made today! Enjoy making the Salad With Avocado! Now, get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with avocado ahead of time?
Absolutely! The salad is great for meal prepping. However, it's best to add the avocado right before serving to prevent it from browning and becoming mushy. You can also toss the avocado in lemon juice to help slow down the browning process.
How long does Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad last in the fridge?
This salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Keep in mind the avocado will brown slightly over time, but it's still perfectly safe to eat. For the best quality, consume within the first 24 hours.
What are some good substitutions for the ingredients in this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad recipe?
Loads of options! If you don't have rotini pasta, penne or fusilli work great. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for chickpeas. Don't have fresh herbs? Dried herbs will do in a pinch just use about a third of the amount.
Is there anything I can add to this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad to give it a bit more of a kick?
Fancy some extra flavour, eh? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing will add a lovely bit of heat. Alternatively, you could try adding some sun-dried tomatoes or a drizzle of sriracha mayo before serving. A squeeze of lime instead of lemon could also add a refreshing zing!
How can I make this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad even healthier?
Great question! Use whole wheat or legume based pasta for added fiber. You can also increase the amount of vegetables and reduce the amount of pasta. Consider using a lighter dressing, such as a vinaigrette or a yogurt based dressing, instead of a creamy one, and watch the salt content.
I'm not a fan of avocado. What can I use instead in this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato?
No worries! If you're not keen on avocado, try adding some cannellini beans for a creamy texture and extra protein. Diced cucumber or even some mozzarella balls will also work well and add a refreshing element. You could also try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a little bit of hummus for creaminess.
