Strawberry Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Strawberry Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad
Description
The salad features a mix of fresh greens, cooked bowtie pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, ripe strawberries, and sliced avocado, layered with crumbled blue cheese and pecans for varied texture. The creamy balsamic dressing is made from balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, honey, Greek yogurt, and optional Dijon mustard, providing a tangy and smooth coating.
Ingredients are tossed together just before serving to keep the avocado fresh and salad crisp. This dish offers a mix of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, with freshness from the greens and fruit, making it suitable for a nutritious lunch or side dish.
To prepare ahead, assemble the salad components without the dressing and avocado, adding those just before serving to prevent browning and sogginess.
Ingredients
- 6 cups spinach fresh baby
- ½ cup arugula
- 1-2 cups chicken rotisserie chicken works well, shredded, cooked
- 2 cups bowtie pasta cooked
- 1 cup strawberries sliced
- 2 avocado sliced
- ⅓ cup blue cheese crumbled; or feta cheese or goat cheese
- ½ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
Creamy Balsamic Dressing
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning dried blend
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt plain, fat free
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional
Instructions
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar, cover, and shake well until all ingredients are incorporated and creamy.
- In a large bowl combine spinach, arugula, shredded chicken, avocado, pasta, strawberries, crumbled cheese, and chopped nuts. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
- To prepare in advance, reserve dressing until ready to serve, then pour over salad and toss immediately before serving.
Notes
- Prepare the salad without dressing and avocado to keep ingredients fresh and add them just before serving.
- The creamy balsamic dressing can be shaken together in a jar for easy use and storage.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a convenient protein component.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 282 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 282kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 17mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 97mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 303mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 2152IU | 43% |
| Vitamin C | 17mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 59mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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