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Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe with Avocado – Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

A vibrant and healthy chicken pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 8 ounces whole wheat pasta such as rotini or penne, cooked according to package directions and cooled
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or diced
  • 1 ripe avocado diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Lemon-Herb Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool completely.
  2. While the pasta cools, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, diced cucumber, and chopped fresh parsley.
  4. Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy!

Notes

For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add chickpeas or black beans. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn.