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Creamy chicken pasta salad in large white bowl with avocado cherry tomatoes fresh basil grilled chicken and lemon garlic dressing

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

Grilled chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil tossed with whole wheat pasta and a bright lemon-garlic dressing. 28g protein per serving and ready in 35 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta rotini or farfalle recommended; rinsed with cold water after draining for pasta salad
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts grilled or rotisserie; sliced into strips after resting 5 minutes
  • 2 ripe avocados diced just before tossing to prevent browning
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves torn or roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil good quality recommended
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice from about 1 large lemon
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Grill or skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl and whisk
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente per package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool completely. Spread on a large plate or baking sheet to cool fully.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Rest 5 minutes on a cutting board then slice into thin strips.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until fully emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning before adding to the salad.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and torn basil. Dice avocados now and add them on top.
  5. Pour dressing over the salad and gently fold to combine using a large spoon or spatula. Use folding motions to keep avocado pieces intact. Taste and adjust with extra lemon juice or salt if needed. Top with grated Parmesan if using and serve immediately or refrigerate.

Notes

Rinse pasta with cold water after draining for pasta salad to stop cooking and prevent mushy texture. Dice avocado just before tossing to prevent browning. Let grilled chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Let refrigerated salad sit at room temperature 15 to 20 minutes before serving so olive oil loosens. Store up to 2 to 3 days with avocado stored separately. Do not freeze. Revive leftovers with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh lemon juice.