Description
This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato is a fresh, flavorful, and protein-packed summer dish. It’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta (penne or fusilli), cooled
1½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
1 ripe avocado, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and herbs.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for a faster prep time.
Swap avocado for feta or chickpeas for a twist.
Add arugula or spinach for extra greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: chicken pasta salad, healthy summer recipe, avocado salad