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avocado chicken pasta salad recipe

Chilled Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad

Avatar photoMarla Jennings
A refreshing and creamy avocado chicken pasta salad perfect for meal prep. It's packed with flavor and easy to make!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 grill pan for cooking chicken
  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Whisk

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced
  • 2 ripe avocados pitted and diced
  • 8 oz pasta cooked and cooled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest before dicing.
  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, cooked pasta, avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad. Gently toss to combine all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of the dressing.
  • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Serving

  • Transfer the chilled salad to a serving platter. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Storage

  • Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results, keep dressing separate if storing for extended periods.

Notes

Pro Tips: Choose ripe avocados that yield to gentle pressure. Use lime juice to prevent browning. Keep dressing separate when storing.
Ingredient Substitutions: Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu. Use lemon juice instead of lime.
How to Serve: Pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a buffet.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare all components in advance and combine before serving.
Keyword avocado chicken pasta salad, creamy avocado pasta salad, healthy pasta salad recipes