Looking for a refreshing, creamy, and protein-packed dish that’s perfect for meal prep, summer picnics, or a quick family dinner? Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad is the answer! This nutrient-rich, flavor-packed salad combines tender chicken, ripe avocado, and al dente pasta with a creamy, tangy dressing that will keep you coming back for more.

What makes this recipe stand out? It’s high in protein, full of healthy fats, and completely customizable. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great quick and easy meal for busy days. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a meal-prep pro, or just someone looking for a delicious, wholesome dish, this Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad is for you!

Ingredients List

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie work best)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 1 large ripe avocado, diced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup feta cheese or shredded parmesan (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 1 large avocado, mashed
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice or lime juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Substitutions & Variations:

• Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version.
• Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a fiber-rich option.
• Replace feta with mozzarella, goat cheese, or a dairy-free alternative.
• Add bacon bits or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.

Timing

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes (for pasta & chicken)
• Total Time: 30 minutes

This quick and easy Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping ahead of time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta & Chicken

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions.
• Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it from sticking.
• If using raw chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, then grill, bake, or pan-fry until fully cooked. Let it rest before dicing or shredding.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

• In a small bowl, mash 1 ripe avocado until smooth.
• Whisk in Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Adjust seasonings as needed for desired flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

• In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
• Pour the creamy avocado dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
• Sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

• For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Enjoy immediately, or store for later!

 

Nutritional Information

Per 1-cup serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 280mg

This Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad is a balanced meal, offering a great combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to make this salad even healthier? Try these simple swaps:

✅ Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
✅ Dairy-Free: Replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt and skip the feta.
✅ Extra Protein: Add chickpeas or quinoa for more plant-based protein.
✅ Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta like brown rice or lentil pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Wondering how to make this Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad even more delicious? Try these serving ideas:

🥑 On Toast: Serve on whole-grain toast or in a sandwich for a unique twist.
🥗 As a Side Dish: Pair with grilled salmon, steak, or roasted vegetables.
🍽️ Meal Prep Option: Divide into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
🌯 In a Wrap: Stuff into a whole-wheat tortilla for a tasty chicken avocado wrap.

For extra flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze or sprinkle with toasted nuts!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Overcooking the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better in salads.
🚫 Skipping the Lemon Juice: This prevents the avocado from browning.
🚫 Adding Dressing Too Early: For meal prep, store the dressing separately and mix before eating.
🚫 Using Overripe Avocado: Too soft avocados make the salad mushy.
🚫 Not Letting the Salad Chill: Let it rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes for better flavor.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• If storing for later, add fresh avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

Freezing:

• Not recommended due to the avocado’s texture change after freezing.

Meal Prep Tip:

• Keep the dressing separate and add fresh avocado right before serving to maintain maximum freshness.

Conclusion

This Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or family dinners. With healthy fats from avocado, lean protein from chicken, and fiber from pasta and veggies, this salad is both delicious and satisfying.

👉 Try this recipe today and let us know how you liked it in the comments! Don’t forget to subscribe for more healthy and easy recipes. 🥑🍗🥗

FAQs

1. Can I make this Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Just store the dressing separately and mix before serving.

2. How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?

Toss it in lemon or lime juice to slow oxidation.

3. What’s the best pasta for this salad?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie works best to hold the dressing.

4. Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, canned or rotisserie chicken is a quick and easy alternative.

5. How can I add more crunch to this salad?

Try adding sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, or crispy bacon bits.