Chicken Pasta Salad
Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil. This delightful dish is not only bursting with vibrant flavors but also packed with wholesome ingredients that will nourish your body and soul.
Why It’s Great
What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil complement the tender chicken and al dente pasta beautifully. Additionally, the homemade dressing adds a zesty kick that ties everything together harmoniously.
Ingredients
To make this Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Directions
1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
3: Prepare the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil.
4: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
5: Assemble the Salad
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:
- Large pot
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
Chicken Pasta Salad
This grilled chicken pasta salad features tender grilled chicken combined with olives, cheese, and crisp fresh vegetables, all coated in a flavorful homemade Italian dressing. It's a delightful and satisfying option, whether served as a refreshing side dish or as a hearty main course, making it ideal for gatherings and entertaining a crowd!
Equipment
- Large pot
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 ripe avocados diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Grill the Chicken
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
Prepare the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Salad
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Notes
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few variations to consider:- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra avocado or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta instead of whole wheat pasta.
- Protein Swap: Substitute grilled shrimp or tofu for the chicken for a different twist.