Description
A vibrant, protein-packed pasta salad featuring tender chicken, creamy avocado, and zesty lime-cumin dressing. Ready in 30 minutes with pantry staples, this celebration-worthy dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or effortless weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
2 boneless chicken breasts (or 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken), diced
3 cups rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup minced cilantro (optional)
1/4 cup halved pitted olives (optional)
Instructions
Cook and cool pasta according to package instructions
Dice chicken and set aside
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, avocados, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion
In a separate jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper
Pour dressing over salad and gently toss to combine
Garnish with cilantro and olives if using
Chill briefly before serving or pack in an airtight container
Notes
Soak red onion in ice water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness
Substitute chicken with 1 cup canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained) for vegetarian option
Store in airtight container for up to 3 days (store undressed to prevent sogginess)
Adjust acidity with additional lime juice as desired
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: chicken
- Method: Stirring
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg