Introduction
This delicious rotini pasta salad combines tender chicken, creamy avocados, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a light and zesty dressing. Perfect as a main dish for lunch or dinner, this recipe is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients. The colorful ingredients make it visually appealing, ensuring it will be a hit at any gathering.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 8 ounces rotini pasta
– 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
– 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
Preparation time for this recipe is approximately 15 minutes, making it a quick and efficient choice for busy days or gatherings.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is 10 minutes for the pasta, resulting in a total time of about 25 minutes for the entire dish. This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, perfect for families or as a side dish for a larger group.
This rotini pasta salad is a versatile and nutritious option that is sure to please a crowd while being easy to prepare. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook Pasta
Boil water in a large pot, adding a generous amount of salt for flavor. Cook 8 ounces of rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set the pasta aside and allow it to cool completely before mixing with the other ingredients.
Prepare Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled rotini pasta. Incorporate 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 2 diced ripe avocados, 1/2 cup of finely diced red onion, and 1 cup of halved cherry or grape tomatoes. Finally, fold in 1/4 cup of freshly chopped basil to the mixture.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is well combined.
Toss the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve or Refrigerate
You can serve the pasta salad immediately for a fresh dish. Alternatively, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad is excellent served as a main course or as a side dish.
Storage Tips
If refrigerating, be mindful that the avocados may brown slightly over time. To prolong freshness, consider squeezing a bit of lemon juice over the avocados before mixing them in.
Variations
Feel free to modify the recipe by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers, or incorporating cheese like feta or mozzarella for added flavor.
Cook techniques
Cooking Pasta
To cook rotini pasta, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Combining Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the main ingredients. Make sure to add the pasta last to keep it from breaking apart. Gently fold the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution without mashing delicate components like avocados.
Making the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together white wine vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth dressing.
Tossing the Salad
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and use a gentle tossing motion to coat all the ingredients evenly. This helps to ensure that every component is flavored without damaging the textures of the ingredients.
Serving and Storing
Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste or refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allowing the salad to chill can help the flavors meld, enhancing the overall taste when served later.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rotini with other pasta types such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle, but cooking times may vary.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make the dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and consider adding protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas or black beans.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Absolutely! This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld together in the refrigerator.
Is there a substitute for avocado?
If you don’t have avocados, you could substitute them with diced cucumber or a creamy dressing to add a similar texture.
How can I adjust the seasoning?
You can adjust seasoning to your taste by adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning. Start with small amounts and taste as you go.
Conclusion
This delicious rotini pasta dish brings together tender chicken, creamy avocados, and fresh vegetables, all enhanced by a light dressing. It’s a perfect option for a quick meal, potlucks, or as a refreshing side for any gathering. Enjoy the harmony of textures and flavors that make this dish both satisfying and healthy.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Rotini Pasta Salad with Tuna
Substitute shredded chicken with canned tuna for a different protein option and add sliced olives for an extra zing.
Mexican-Inspired Pasta Salad
Incorporate black beans, corn, and diced jalapeños while replacing Italian seasoning with taco seasoning for a spicy twist.
Caprese Rotini Salad
Add mozzarella balls in place of the chicken and a balsamic reduction drizzle for a classic Caprese flavor.
Pesto Chicken Pasta
Mix in a couple of tablespoons of basil pesto along with the dressing for a rich herby flavor.
Greek Pasta Salad
Swap diced cucumbers and feta cheese for the avocado and chicken, and dress with lemon juice and oregano for a Mediterranean flair.
