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Delicious chicken avocado pasta salad with creamy dressing and fresh ingredients.

Easy Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad

A creamy, fresh pasta salad featuring chicken and avocado, perfect for hot days and meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 2 cups short pasta (e.g., rotini, bowties, penne, or shells) Short shapes hold onto the creamy dressing.
Protein
  • 1 cup cooked chicken (e.g., rotisserie or grilled) Leftover grilled chicken works well too.
Vegetables
  • 1 cup diced cucumber Crisp and refreshing addition.
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes Adds sweetness and color.
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion Optional for a bit of bite.
Avocado
  • 1 whole ripe avocado Add it last to keep it chunky.
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt Provides creaminess.
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise Adjust according to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice Prevent avocado browning.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Adds richness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Season to taste.
  • to taste salt and pepper Adjust as needed.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just tender, then drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime or lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to prepare the dressing.
  3. Chop the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion, and chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
  2. Pour most of the dressing over the mixture and toss gently.
  3. Add the diced avocado gently to maintain its shape.
Chilling
  1. Chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld together.

Notes

Best enjoyed on the first day, but can be meal-prepped by keeping the avocado separate until ready to serve. If necessary, revive leftover salad with a squeeze of citrus and spoonful of yogurt or mayo.