Go Back

Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado

A refreshing and flavorful pasta salad with chicken, avocado, and fresh vegetables, perfect for summer picnics or family gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked pasta Any type you prefer, such as penne or fusilli
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, diced Grilled or rotisserie works best
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling your chosen pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: If you're using leftover cooked chicken, simply dice it into bite-sized pieces. If cooking fresh chicken, grill or bake until cooked through and then dice.
  3. Chop Your Veggies: Dice the avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the red onion and cilantro.
Mixing
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
Final Touches
  1. Give your salad a taste test! You can adjust with more lime juice, salt, or pepper based on your preference.
  2. Enjoy immediately or chill for a short while to enhance the flavors!

Notes

Substitutions: Consider using grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days, but it's best enjoyed fresh.