If you’re craving an energizing meal that’s as vibrant and satisfying as it is nourishing, this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. Packed with tender chicken, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and a simple zesty dressing, every bite pops with refreshing flavor. It’s a beautiful balance of protein, healthy fats, and whole grain carbs—perfect as a quick lunch, hearty side, or picnic showstopper!

Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe thrives on fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together in minutes, each one pulling its weight in terms of taste, texture, or color. Nothing fancy, just good, honest essentials that make the Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe sing.

Whole wheat pasta: Adds a nutty flavor and satisfying chew while boosting fiber. Use rotini or penne for perfect sauce-clinging spirals!
Cooked chicken breast: Chopped tender pieces bring lean protein and heartiness; leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken is perfect.
Ripe avocado: Diced for creamy richness, avocado gives the salad its delightfully silky bite while adding healthy fats.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness and gorgeous pops of red.
Red onion: Finely diced for colorful crunch and just the right bit of zing.
Fresh parsley or cilantro: Chopped for a refreshing, herby note and splash of green.
Olive oil: A staple for luscious, heart-healthy dressing that ties everything together.
Lemon juice: Gives the salad brightness and keeps the avocado from browning.
Dijon mustard: Brings a hint of tangy depth to the dressing.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste for flavor perfection.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe

Step 1: Prep All the Fresh Ingredients

Begin by cooking your whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then draining and cooling it under cold water. Meanwhile, chop the cooked chicken breast, dice your ripe avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and chop your fresh herbs. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the assembly smooth and quick.

Step 2: Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. The dressing should look silky and cohesive—this bright combo infuses every ingredient with irresistible flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing or serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley or cilantro. Toss gently to mix—take care not to mash the avocado, as you want delightful, intact chunks throughout. The healthy chicken pasta salad with avocado, tomato recipe truly shines here, with each ingredient bringing its own special spark!

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour the whisked dressing evenly over the salad mixture, then toss very gently to coat all the ingredients. Make sure everything gets a little love from that zesty, lemony dressing without crushing the delicate avocado.

Step 5: Chill (Optional) and Serve

You can serve the Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe right away for a super fresh, just-made bowl. If you have the time, though, let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes—this gives all the flavors a chance to meld into pure deliciousness.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe

Garnishes

For a final flourish, scatter extra chopped herbs or crumbled feta cheese over the top, or sprinkle on toasted seeds for crunch and a touch of visual drama. A little squeeze of extra lemon brightens it even further right before you dig in.

Side Dishes

This salad stands fabulous on its own, but if you want to create a complete spread, serve it alongside a bowl of chilled gazpacho, whole grain bread, or crisp green salad. It pairs well with virtually any light soup or baked vegetable for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe into individual mason jars for a portable lunch, or pile it onto fresh salad greens for a layered effect. It also makes a lovely, colorful main on a platter when garnished with wedges of avocado and sprigs of parsley or cilantro.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While the flavors deepen with time, keep in mind that avocado is best enjoyed fresh—you’ll want to eat leftovers within 2 days for peak taste and texture.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for the Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe, as the fresh vegetables and avocado lose their lovely texture after thawing. This one is truly best enjoyed fresh or just a day or two later!

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature—there’s no need to reheat at all. If you prefer a slightly warmer salad, just allow it to sit out at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prep all the components ahead and combine them just before serving. To keep avocado from browning, add it and the dressing right before eating or serving for the freshest taste.

Can I use a different kind of protein?

Definitely! Grilled shrimp, diced turkey, or even canned chickpeas work beautifully as a swap for chicken. The Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe is versatile—feel free to adapt it to what you have on hand.

What kind of pasta works best?

Whole wheat rotini or penne is recommended for the ideal balance of bite and sauce-grabbing ability. If gluten-free, substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta, and be sure to rinse thoroughly after cooking to avoid stickiness.

Is there a way to keep avocado from turning brown?

Tossing avocado with lemon or lime juice (as in this recipe) helps slow down browning. If prepping ahead, wait to cut and add avocado until you’re ready to dress and serve the salad.

Can this be served as a main dish?

Absolutely! Thanks to the hearty chicken, whole wheat pasta, and healthy fats from avocado, this salad makes a super satisfying main all on its own while delivering balanced nutrition in every bowl.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that tastes like sunshine and feels like a celebration of wholesome flavors, you can’t go wrong with this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe. I can’t recommend it enough—gather your favorite ingredients and give it a try soon! Your next favorite salad awaits.

Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a refreshing and nutritious meal with this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad featuring creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender chicken tossed in a zesty dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at your next gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta (such as rotini or penne)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
1 ripe avocado, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, chicken, avocado, tomatoes, onion, and parsley.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
Serve or Chill: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for flavors to meld.