Description
A light and healthy chicken pasta salad combining tender shredded chicken, creamy avocado, fresh cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all tossed in a tangy white wine vinegar and Italian seasoning dressing. Perfect as a quick lunch or a refreshing side dish, this salad can be served immediately or chilled to enhance the flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
- 1 pound cooked rotini pasta, chilled
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped basil
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad ingredients: Gather and prepare all the main salad components including shredding or chopping the cooked chicken breasts, dicing the ripe avocados, cooking and chilling the rotini pasta, chopping the red onion, halving the cherry tomatoes, and finely chopping the fresh basil.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix the shredded chicken, chilled rotini pasta, chopped red onion, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and freshly chopped basil. Mix carefully to avoid mashing the avocado while ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Make the dressing: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the white wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, extra virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and thoroughly combined.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently yet thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary with additional salt and pepper.
- Serve or chill: Serve the chicken pasta salad immediately for the freshest texture and flavor, or cover and refrigerate for later. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
- Be gentle when mixing to avoid mashing the avocado.
- The salad can be served immediately or chilled for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Adjust seasoning of dressing and salad according to taste preference.
- To keep the salad fresh, add avocado just before serving if preparing ahead.
