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This hearty chicken pasta salad has become my ultimate go-to dish for busy weeknights and meal prep alike. The combination of tender chicken, creamy avocado, and fresh summer vegetables creates a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
I first made this pasta salad during a particularly hectic week when I needed something substantial but quick. My family was instantly hooked, and now we rotate it regularly through our meal plan, especially during warmer months when cooking feels like too much effort.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breasts: 2 medium shredded or chopped from rotisserie chicken for convenience and tender texture
- Ripe avocados: 2 diced for creaminess that eliminates the need for heavy dressing
- Rotini pasta: 1 pound cooked and chilled the spiral shape captures dressing perfectly
- Red onion: 1/2 cup chopped adds sharp flavor contrast and beautiful color
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup halved for juicy bursts of freshness in every bite
- Fresh basil: 1/2 cup chopped provides aromatic herbal notes that elevate the entire dish
- White wine vinegar: 1/2 cup creates the tangy base for our light dressing
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3/4 cup use a good quality oil as it significantly impacts flavor
- Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon brings cohesive herb flavor without needing multiple spice jars
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper: to taste always season properly for maximum flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare The Base:
- Combine the shredded chicken, cooled pasta, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado and chopped fresh basil in a large serving bowl. The key here is ensuring your pasta is properly cooled otherwise it will continue cooking your vegetables and create a mushy texture in the final dish.
- Create The Dressing:
- In a separate jar or small bowl, combine white wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, olive oil, salt and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the ingredients emulsify and form a cohesive dressing. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The dressing should have a pleasant tang balanced by the richness of the olive oil.
- Combine And Serve:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Take care not to overmix which can break down the avocado. The pasta should glisten with dressing but not be swimming in it. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment.
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The Italian seasoning blend is truly the unsung hero of this recipe. I once tried making this with individual herbs instead, and while good, there's something about the classic blend that creates the perfect harmony of flavors. My daughter now specifically requests this pasta salad for her school lunches, calling it the "fancy pasta" that makes her friends jealous.
Preventing Avocado Browning
Toss your diced avocado with a splash of lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad. The citric acid acts as a natural preservative that slows oxidation. For meal prep, consider adding the avocado just before serving rather than mixing it in advance. The acid in the dressing helps somewhat, but fresh addition guarantees that beautiful green color and creamy texture everyone loves.
Perfect Make-Ahead Strategy
For potlucks or planned meals, prepare all components separately. Cook and cool the pasta, chop vegetables, make the dressing, and store everything separately until about 30 minutes before serving. This method preserves the integrity of each ingredient while still allowing for quick assembly. The tomatoes and avocados especially benefit from this approach, maintaining their texture rather than becoming soggy from extended contact with the dressing.
Nutritional Benefits
This chicken pasta salad offers remarkable nutritional balance while still feeling indulgent. The lean protein from chicken supports muscle maintenance while complex carbohydrates from the pasta provide sustained energy. Avocados contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, while fresh vegetables deliver essential vitamins and minerals. The olive oil based dressing adds antioxidants and additional healthy fats, making this a truly nourishing complete meal rather than just a side dish.
Common Queries
- → What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Rotini is a great choice as it holds the dressing well. Penne, macaroni, or bow tie pasta are also good alternatives.
- → Can I use grilled chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, grilled chicken works perfectly. Cook it on medium-low heat to ensure it's cooked through without burning.
- → How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Coat the diced avocado in lemon or lime juice to prevent it from turning brown and maintain its freshness.
- → How long can I store this salad?
The salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Omit avocado if preparing ahead of time, and add it just before serving.
- → Can I customize the dressing?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like Greek yogurt for creaminess or substitute white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor.