Ingredients
– 2 cups whole wheat pasta
– 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup spinach or mixed greens
– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato:
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and Rinse: Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
3. Prepare the Chicken: If you’re using leftover chicken, make sure it’s diced. If you’re cooking fresh chicken, season it with salt and pepper, then grill or sauté until fully cooked. Allow it to cool before dicing.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and red onion.
5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated.
7. Add Cheese and Herbs: If using, sprinkle the feta cheese and fresh herbs on top. Give it one final toss to incorporate.
8. Serve Immediately: For the best flavor, serve the salad fresh. However, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a day for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g