Description
A refreshing and nutritious pasta salad featuring grilled chicken, avocado, and tomatoes, perfect for a healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole wheat pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Grill the chicken breasts until fully cooked, then allow them to cool before slicing into thin strips.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add the grilled chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, baby spinach, and basil leaves to the bowl with the pasta.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top and give the salad a final gentle toss.
- For best flavor, allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
- For added protein, you can substitute the grilled chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but the avocado may brown over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling and Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg