Introduction
Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad is the kind of recipe that feels light, refreshing, and comforting all at once. It combines tender chicken, creamy avocado, and perfectly cooked pasta in a dish that works just as well for lunch as it does for dinner. I often make this salad when I want something filling but not heavy, especially on warmer days when hot meals feel less appealing. The avocado creates a naturally creamy texture that coats the pasta beautifully without needing an overly rich dressing. When I first tested this recipe, I was surprised by how well the flavors held together even after chilling, making it ideal for meal prep or gatherings. With simple ingredients and minimal cooking, this pasta salad delivers freshness, balance, and satisfying texture in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for make-ahead meals. It combines protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates into one balanced dish. The flavors are fresh and clean, yet comforting enough to please a wide range of tastes.
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Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad – A Fresh, Creamy, and Satisfying Meal Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad is a fresh and creamy dish made with tender chicken, ripe avocado, pasta, and a light, flavorful dressing. It is perfect for a healthy lunch, picnic, or light dinner.
Ingredients
- 300 g pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture.
- Add chopped cilantro or parsley and gently toss to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Add cucumber or corn for extra freshness.
- Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for added flavor.
- Best served fresh as avocado may brown over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast
Cooked chicken breast provides lean protein and makes the salad hearty and filling. Grilled or pan-seared chicken works especially well for added flavor.
Pasta
Short pasta shapes such as rotini or penne are ideal because they hold the creamy avocado dressing and mix evenly with the other ingredients.
Avocado
Ripe avocado is the key ingredient that creates a naturally creamy texture. It adds richness while keeping the dish fresh and light.
Cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the avocado and chicken.
Red onion
Thinly sliced red onion adds a mild sharpness and subtle crunch that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Olive oil
Olive oil helps bind the dressing and adds smoothness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Lemon juice
Fresh lemon juice brightens the salad and prevents the avocado from browning too quickly.
Garlic
A small amount of fresh garlic adds depth and savory character to the dressing.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors and brings balance to the creamy components.
Black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds gentle warmth and complexity.
Optional herbs
Fresh parsley or basil adds color and a light herbal note that complements the avocado.
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken if it is not already cooked. Season lightly with salt and pepper, cook until fully done, then slice or cube into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, mash the avocado until mostly smooth. Stir in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper to create a creamy dressing.
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, and red onion to the bowl. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the avocado dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Finish with fresh herbs if desired and serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of approximately 15 minutes.
Equipment Needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad is very flexible and easy to adapt. For extra crunch, add cucumber or sweet corn. If you prefer a bit of spice, a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeño works well.
You can swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or rotisserie chicken for convenience. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or roasted vegetables.
The dressing can also be adjusted. Adding a spoon of Greek yogurt creates extra creaminess, while a splash of apple cider vinegar adds tang. These small changes allow you to tailor the salad to your taste while keeping its fresh character intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein (g) | 30 |
| Carbs (g) | 38 |
| Fat (g) | 18 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 4 |
| Fiber (g) | 6 |
| Sugar (g) | 5 |
| Sodium (mg) | 520 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use Ripe Avocados
Soft, ripe avocados blend smoothly and create the best texture for the dressing.
Cool the Pasta
Allowing the pasta to cool slightly prevents the avocado from becoming oily.
Season in Stages
Taste as you go to ensure the flavors stay balanced.
Add Lemon Just Before Serving
A final squeeze of lemon refreshes the salad and brightens the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Lemon juice helps slow oxidation and keeps the salad looking fresh.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely, leftover grilled or roasted chicken works very well.
What pasta shape is best?
Short, ridged pasta shapes hold the dressing best.
Is this salad served cold?
It can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, feta or Parmesan can be added for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Stir gently before serving and add a splash of lemon juice if needed.
Conclusion
Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad is a fresh, creamy, and well-balanced dish that fits effortlessly into busy schedules and relaxed meals alike. With simple ingredients and satisfying flavors, it is a recipe you will return to whenever you need something nourishing, versatile, and delicious.
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