Name: Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Basil
Ingredients: 2 medium cooked chicken breasts (shredded or chopped); 2 ripe avocados (pitted and diced); 1 pound cooked and chilled rotini pasta (gluten-free rotini works, too); ½ cup chopped red onion; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); ½ cup chopped fresh basil; Salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste); ½ cup white wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper (to taste)

Fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tender chicken make this pasta salad a satisfying summer meal. Tossed with a simple homemade dressing, it’s easy to bring to a cookout or make ahead for lunch. Add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.

Ingredients

2 medium cooked chicken breasts shredded or chopped
2 ripe avocados pitted and diced
1 pound cooked and chilled rotini pasta gluten-free rotini works, too
½ cup chopped red onion
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
½ cup chopped fresh basil
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Dressing

½ cup white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Add the cooked chicken, pasta, red onion, avocado, tomatoes, and basil to a large bowl.
In a jar, combine the vinegar, Italian seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Close the jar and shake well.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Serve right away or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Make-ahead tip: If preparing the salad in advance, add the avocado and tomatoes just before serving.

Notes

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Recipe adapted from Christina Cherrier for Eatwell101.

Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado and Basil