Ingredients
I used my BBQ chicken salad as inspiration for this recipe. I loved the flavors of the sweet and smoky grilled chicken with creamy avocado, tomatoes, feta cheese and corn. However, you can use any of your favorite salad toppings for this pasta salad. Similarly, the creamy herbed dressing is ranch-like but can be swopped for any dressing of your choice.
Pasta. I used fusilli but any short pasta shape will work. Penne, bow ties, macaroni, etc. Chicken. I used my BBQ chicken recipe. Vegetables. Avocado, cherry tomatoes and charred corn work so well in this salad but feel free to substitute for any vegetables of your choice. Cucumber, sugar snap peas, baby corn, bell peppers, celery, broccoli, radishes etc. will all work well. I added basil too. Coriander/cilantro or parsley can be used instead. Cheese. I added feta cheese (I like buying feta cheese in brine as the flavor and texture is superior) but cubes of mozzarella will also be delicious. Dressing. The dressing I made was influenced by a classic ranch dressing. You can use any salad dressing for this and I would recommend my lemon parmesan dressing if you’d prefer a non-creamy salad dressing for this pasta salad.
How to make chicken pasta salad
Can I make this in advance?
The pasta salad can be made a day in advance, simply add the avocado right before serving to avoid browning. The dressing can be made a few days in advanced and kept in a jar in the fridge. The pasta and chicken can also be cooked a few days in advance and kept in airtight containers in the fridge.
Pasta salad recipes
