Description
A fresh and satisfying Chicken Pasta Salad with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, and al dente pasta tossed in a light vinaigrette and topped with shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). This versatile and easy-to-make salad balances wholesome ingredients and bright flavors for a perfect meal any season.
Ingredients
Protein
- Cooked Chicken Breast, diced or shredded
Pasta
- Pasta (such as rotini or penne), cooked al dente
Fresh Produce
- Ripe Avocados, diced
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, halved
- Mixed Greens or Fresh Herbs (such as basil)
Cheese
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (vegetal)
Dressing
- Olive Oil
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Dried Herbs (such as oregano or thyme)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook and Cool the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool noodles completely, preventing sticking and keeping the salad fresh.
- Prepare the Chicken: Grill, bake, or pan-sear chicken breast until fully cooked and juicy. Let cool, then dice or shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the Fresh Ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes and dice ripe avocado just before mixing to maintain texture and vibrant color. Chop any fresh herbs or greens to include.
- Make the Light Vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, a pinch of salt, pepper, and dried herbs to create a zesty dressing that enhances the fresh flavors.
- Combine All Ingredients: Gently toss pasta, chicken, avocado, tomatoes, and greens with vinaigrette until evenly coated. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) on top for creaminess and a mild flavor boost.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking pasta to keep a nice bite and prevent mushiness.
- Add diced avocado last minute to avoid browning and keep it creamy.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
- Toss ingredients gently but thoroughly for even dressing distribution.
- Use room temperature chicken to keep salad from warming up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken pasta salad, avocado salad, tomato pasta salad, light vinaigrette salad, healthy chicken salad, easy pasta salad