Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad with Chicken: A Light, Wholesome Meal for Any Occasion

Pasta salads are a quintessential comfort food, loved for their versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to be tailored to a variety of tastes. This creamy avocado pasta salad with grilled chicken takes the classic pasta salad to a whole new level. Instead of a typical mayonnaise-based dressing, this recipe uses a smooth and creamy avocado dressing that adds rich flavor and healthy fats to the dish. The vibrant vegetables and tender grilled chicken make this salad not only a delicious but also a satisfying meal.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for a BBQ, or something to bring to a potluck, this creamy avocado pasta salad is perfect for every occasion. Best of all, this recipe avoids pork or ham and uses grilled chicken for the protein, making it a versatile choice that fits many dietary preferences. Let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation for this flavorful and refreshing dish.

Ingredients and Preparation

For the Salad:

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup frozen sweet peas
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 medium avocados (2 for the dressing, 1 diced for the salad)
• 3 oz fresh baby spinach (approximately 4 cups lightly packed)
• 1 garlic clove, sliced
• 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
• 1 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta and Vegetables:
   • Boil a large pot of salted water.
   • Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions (about 9-11 minutes) until al dente.
   • When there are about 4 minutes left for the pasta to cook, add the frozen peas and corn to the pot. This allows them to cook and thaw without overcooking the pasta.
   • Once the pasta and vegetables are done, drain the mixture in a colander. Rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly.
   • Transfer the cooled pasta and vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare the Avocado Dressing:
   • In a food processor or blender, combine two of the three avocados, 1 cup of spinach, sliced garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper.
   • Blend until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining spinach and blend again until the dressing is fully mixed and smooth.
   • Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. If the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or extra lemon juice to thin it out.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   • Dice the third avocado and add it to the pasta mixture.
   • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced grilled chicken breasts to the bowl.
   • Pour the creamy avocado dressing over the pasta, vegetables, and chicken.
   • Toss everything together gently to ensure the salad is well-coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
4. Chill and Serve:
   • Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
   • Serve chilled as a main dish or as a side dish to complement grilled meats or other salads.

Beginner Tips and Notes

1. Choosing Ripe Avocados:
   • To ensure your avocados are ripe and creamy, gently press on the skin. They should yield slightly under pressure but not feel mushy. If the skin is firm, the avocado is not ripe and should be left to ripen at room temperature for a few days.
   • If you find your avocados are overripe (dark and mushy), they may give the dressing a slightly bitter taste. Avoid using overly ripe avocados for this dish.
2. Pasta Texture:
   • Overcooking pasta is one of the most common mistakes in pasta salad recipes. Pasta that is overcooked becomes mushy and absorbs too much dressing, making the salad soggy. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means it should have a slight firmness when bitten into.
   • After draining the pasta, rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
3. Chicken Alternatives:
   • If you prefer beef over chicken, feel free to substitute grilled beef strips for the chicken breasts. Just ensure the beef is tender and seasoned well for a flavorful salad.
   • For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives to increase the variety of textures and flavors.
4. Storing Leftovers:
   • This creamy avocado pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
   • Keep in mind that the avocado dressing may darken over time due to oxidation, but the flavor will still be just as delicious.
   • To prevent browning, cover the surface of the salad with plastic wrap or press a piece of plastic directly onto the salad before sealing the container.

Serving Suggestions

1. Main Dish:
   • This creamy avocado pasta salad is hearty enough to serve as a main dish, especially when served with grilled chicken. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner when you need something light yet satisfying.
2. Side Dish for BBQ or Picnic:
   • Serve it alongside grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or fish for a complete meal. This salad also works wonderfully for picnics or summer BBQs where you need a cool and refreshing side dish.
3. With Bread or Crackers:
   • Pair this salad with some freshly baked bread, garlic breadsticks, or even crispy crackers to round out the meal.
4. Make It a Meal Prep Option:
   • This salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in individual portions for an easy grab-and-go meal. If you’re meal prepping, consider adding extra grilled chicken or some chickpeas for added protein.

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Engagement Features

1. Customize the Salad:
   • Pasta salads are incredibly versatile. Feel free to add more vegetables like diced cucumbers, red onions, or bell peppers for additional crunch and flavor. You can also toss in some olives, feta cheese, or even hard-boiled eggs to make the salad more filling.
2. Substitute with Other Proteins:
   • If you prefer to keep this salad vegetarian, omit the chicken and add roasted chickpeas, tofu, or even a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for crunch. For a different take, try substituting the grilled chicken with grilled shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
3. Get Creative with the Dressing:
   • While avocado provides a creamy base for the dressing, you can experiment with other ingredients to add complexity to the flavor. Try adding a little bit of Dijon mustard, honey, or Greek yogurt to the dressing for extra tang and creaminess.
4. Feedback and Interaction:
   • Have you tried this creamy avocado pasta salad? Share your variations and how you made the recipe your own in the comments below! What substitutions did you try, and what was the result? We’d love to hear how it turned out for you.

Conclusion

This creamy avocado pasta salad with grilled chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a fresh twist to traditional pasta salad recipes. The creamy avocado dressing adds richness without being overly heavy, and the combination of tender grilled chicken, sweet peas, corn, and juicy tomatoes creates a balanced and satisfying meal. Whether you serve it as a main dish, a side, or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, it’s bound to be a hit.

With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, even beginner cooks can master this dish. Experiment with the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, and enjoy the versatility this salad has to offer. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you make—it’s always fun to see how others personalize their meals!