Description
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken, creamy avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil in a light dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. This vibrant salad is perfect for meal prep or as a crowd-pleaser at summer gatherings. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins—making it both delicious and wholesome. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a satisfying meal that delights the senses while nurturing your body.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; cook in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Allow to rest before slicing.
- Chop tomatoes in halves, cube avocados, and finely chop basil while the chicken cooks.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, sliced chicken, tomatoes, avocado, and basil. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and lemon juice overnight.
Customize by adding seasonal vegetables or swapping chicken for shrimp or chickpeas.
Store leftovers in an airtight container; keep avocado separate until serving to prevent browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and lemon juice overnight.- Customize by adding seasonal vegetables or swapping chicken for shrimp or chickpeas.- Store leftovers in an airtight container; keep avocado separate until serving to prevent browning.