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Chicken pasta salad ingredients flat lay with whole wheat pasta, avocado, cherry tomatoes, basil, and lemon

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

A vibrant, protein-packed chicken pasta salad with whole wheat pasta, grilled chicken, creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. Ready in just 35 minutes with 28 grams of protein per serving.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta (rotini or farfalle) cook just until al dente
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts grilled or rotisserie
  • 2 ripe avocados diced just before adding
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves torn or roughly chopped
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil good quality
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice about 1 large lemon
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Grill or Grill Pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a full boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool completely. Let drain fully before using.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat for 6 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked through and the juices run clear. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and torn basil to a large bowl. Dice the avocados and gently fold them in.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything without mashing the avocado. Serve immediately or chill for up to 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Dice avocado just before tossing to prevent browning. Rotisserie chicken works as a great time-saving substitute. Cook pasta and chicken up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate separately. For gluten-free: use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. For plant-based: substitute chicken with marinated grilled tofu. Optional: top with grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, or toasted pine nuts before serving.
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