Delicious Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado & Tomato

The moment you take a whiff of a Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato, it’s like a flavor party in your mouth and everyone’s invited! Imagine tender chicken mingling with creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes, all tossed together with pasta that’s just the right amount of al dente. This dish isn’t just healthy; it’s like a hug from the inside out, especially after a long day or a workout that left you feeling like a soggy noodle.

Now, let me take you back to my first encounter with this scrumptious salad. Picture me, standing in my tiny kitchen on a summer afternoon, sweating bullets as I attempted to make something other than takeout for dinner. I stumbled upon this recipe, and it felt like destiny. What started as mere survival transformed into a vibrant explosion of colors and flavors that had my taste buds dancing like no one was watching. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just because you want to impress yourself on a Tuesday night!

Ingredients for Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato

For more inspiration, check out this healthy oat crepes recipe.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; they provide lean protein and stay moist.
• Pasta: Any shape you prefer works; I recommend rotini or penne for perfect twirls of flavor.
• Avocado: Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when gently pressed; they add creaminess and healthy fats.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These bite-sized beauties burst with flavor; opt for various colors for visual appeal!
• Fresh Spinach: Adds vibrant color and nutrients; use baby spinach for a milder taste.

For the Dressing:

• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance every bite while adding healthy fats.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the entire dish with its zesty kick.
• Garlic Powder: This adds depth without needing fresh garlic on hand—perfect for busy cooks!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by grilling or boiling your chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about six minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Toss in your pasta of choice and cook according to package directions until al dente—usually about eight to ten minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Step 3: Chop Your Ingredients

Once the chicken has cooled slightly, chop it into bite-sized pieces. Then dice the avocado and halve the cherry tomatoes. Don’t forget to give that spinach a rough chop—nobody likes an overly leafy salad!

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste it if it doesn’t make you do a little happy dance in your kitchen, adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced chicken, avocado pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped spinach. Drizzle over your dressing and toss until everything is well coated.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer your beautiful salad onto plates or into meal prep containers if you’re planning ahead! For extra flair (and flavor), sprinkle some feta cheese or nuts on top before serving.

This Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato is not just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen! Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with friends at a gathering (just be prepared for compliments), this dish promises satisfaction in every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken first until it’s golden brown and juicy. While that sizzles, cook your pasta in a separate pot. Once they’re both ready, toss them together with fresh veggies and dressing for a delightful mix.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your cravings! Try different proteins like shrimp or tofu, add some olives for a briny kick, or sprinkle in some feta cheese if you’re feeling fancy.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, gently warm it in the microwave or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge as a refreshing treat.

Sometimes, I whip up this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad when I’m having friends over for game night. The compliments keep rolling in as everyone devours it it’s quite the crowd-pleaser!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato?

To prepare a delicious Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, you will need cooked chicken breast, whole grain pasta, ripe avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh basil, and a simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This combination not only enhances the flavor but also ensures that the salad remains healthy and packed with nutrients. You can also consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers for extra crunch and color.

How can I store Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato?

Storing your Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato requires some care to maintain freshness. Place leftover salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 2-3 days to ensure the avocados do not turn brown or mushy. asparagus and zucchini side dish If you plan to eat it later, consider storing the avocado separately and adding it just before serving to keep the dish vibrant and fresh.

Can I make Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato in advance?

Yes! Preparing your Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato ahead of time is a great idea for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance and store them separately. Combine all other ingredients except for the avocado and dressing in a bowl. When you are ready to serve, mix everything together along with the dressing to keep the flavors fresh. This method makes it easy to enjoy a nutritious meal throughout the week. For more inspiration, check out this chicken burrito bowls recipe recipe.

What variations can I try for Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato?

There are many delightful variations you can explore for your Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato. For instance, swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. You could also incorporate different vegetables such as spinach or cucumbers for added texture. slow cooker chicken marsala balsamic strawberry caprese salad Additionally, experiment with various dressings like balsamic vinaigrette or Greek yogurt-based dressings to customize flavors to your liking.

Conclusion for Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato:

In summary, a Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato is not only simple to prepare but also offers a delicious blend of flavors and nutrients. Using fresh ingredients like chicken breast, avocados, and tomatoes ensures that each bite is satisfying yet light. flavorful garlic butter chicken bites Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or as part of a family dinner, this salad remains versatile and customizable based on personal preferences. Embrace this recipe for a healthy lifestyle while treating your taste buds!

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Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato

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• Author: Hannah
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Tomato is a vibrant, nutritious dish that combines tender chicken, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes with perfectly cooked pasta. This salad is quick to prepare and versatile, making it ideal for meal prep or as a show-stopping side at gatherings. Packed with flavor and colorful ingredients, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal any day of the week.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Grill or boil chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
3. Dice avocados and halve the cherry tomatoes; roughly chop the spinach.
4. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, avocados, tomatoes, and spinach. Drizzle dressing over and toss gently to coat.
6. Serve immediately or store in meal prep containers for later.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling/Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch. For added flavor, consider incorporating feta cheese or nuts on top. To maintain freshness, store avocado separately until ready to serve.