Healthy Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad with Yogurt Lime Dressing

Looking for a light, refreshing, and protein-packed pasta salad that’s perfect for lunch, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners? Then your search is over. This fusilli pasta salad with vibrant red and yellow peppers, creamy avocado, juicy chicken, and a tangy yogurt lime cilantro dressing is exactly what you need! Not only is it absolutely bursting with flavors, but it’s also loaded with healthy ingredients to keep you satisfied and energized.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and Balanced: Packed with protein from chicken, healthy fats from avocado, and fiber from pasta and veggies.

Quick and Easy: This can be made in under 30 minutes and is great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Fresh and Zesty: The yogurt lime cilantro dressing adds a refreshing and tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the salad’s ingredients.

Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients to match your preferences or what you have on hand.

Key ingredients for this pasta salad

Fusilli Pasta– Fusilli works wonderfully in salads because its ridges hold onto the dressing, ensuring that every bite is flavorful. You can opt for whole wheat or gluten-free fusilli for an even healthier salad.

Red and Yellow Bell Peppers– Colorful bell peppers add a vibrant crunch to the salad. Not only do they bring a pop of color, but they are also packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

Red Onion– Red onion adds a mild, sharp flavor that complements the sweetness of the peppers.

Chicken Breast– You can either grill, bake, or poach the chicken depending on your preference but I recommend my cajun chicken breasts here, their bold flavor goes well with the creaminess of this salad. You can also use leftover or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Make sure to shred or dice it into small pieces for even distribution.

Avocado– Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats to the salad, balancing the textures. The fiber helps you feel fuller for longer. Add the avocado right before serving to prevent it from browning.

Fresh Cilantro– Cilantro infuses the salad with a fresh, herby flavor that complements the lime and avocado.

Plain yogurt– Plain yogurt serves as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise or heavy cream, providing a creamy base for the dressing. You can use Greek yogurt if you have but any other plain yogurt will work fine

Lime Juice– Lime juice adds a zesty, refreshing tang that brightens the flavors of the salad.

How to make this delicious Healthy Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad with Yogurt Lime Dressing

Cook the Fusilli: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8–10 minutes for al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop further cooking and cool it down.

Cook or Prep the Chicken: If you’re using raw chicken breasts, follow this recipe here, and pan-fry until fully cooked. Once done, let the chicken cool slightly, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use pre-cooked or leftover chicken to save time.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta and chicken are cooking, dice the red and yellow bell peppers, slice the red onion thinly, chop the cilantro, and cube the avocado.

Make the Yogurt Lime Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled fusilli, diced peppers, red onion, and chicken. Gently toss to combine. Pour the yogurt lime dressing over the top and toss again to coat the ingredients evenly. Serve

What else to add to this pasta salad

• More Veggies– Cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or roasted corn would be excellent additions.
• Swap the protein– You can replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Add greens: Mix in some spinach or arugula for extra nutrients.

Tips for the best Healthy Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad with Yogurt Lime Dressing

Make the Dressing in Advance– The yogurt lime dressing can be made and stored in the fridge for a day or two. The flavors will blend even better, and it saves time when assembling the salad

Customize to Your Liking– Add more vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted corn for extra crunch and nutrients. You can also substitute the cilantro with parsley if you prefer a different herb profile.

Chill for Best Flavor– Let the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend for a tastier salad. If the dressing thickens too much, add a few drizzles of lime juice to loosen it up.

How to store the salad

This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re planning on making it ahead of time, prep your ingredients and keep them separately. Cut and add the avo just before serving to prevent browning.

Enjoy making this Healthy Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad with Yogurt Lime Dressing, and don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes on our blog!