This Chicken Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing is the ultimate summer delight, blending savory richness with a hint of sweet freshness. It’s designed to tantalize your taste buds and become your go-to recipe all season long!
Hello food enthusiasts! Hope you had a fantastic weekend filled with joy and perhaps some delicious eats. With warmer weather upon us and school holidays either here or just around the corner, our cravings often shift towards lighter, more refreshing meals that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. If you’re searching for that perfect dish to bring to a summer potluck, enjoy on a breezy evening, or simply whip up for a quick yet satisfying lunch, then you’ve landed in the right place.
Today, I’m thrilled to share a truly FANTASTIC and effortless salad recipe that masterfully balances sweet and savory profiles. This particular Chicken Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, promising to be a highlight for your palate throughout the entire summer season. It’s more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Get ready to fall in love with its incredible textures and unforgettable flavors!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Chicken Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad
I’m genuinely excited about this salad because it hits all the right notes: it’s incredibly delicious, boasts a rich tapestry of flavors and textures, yet demands very little effort in the kitchen. Plus, its vibrant colors make it a stunning centerpiece when served. Honestly, there’s an abundance to adore about this creation. It beautifully bridges the gap between a classic green salad and a hearty pasta salad, offering the best of both worlds. It’s already received rave reviews from friends and neighbors, so I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much!
A Symphony of Sweet and Savory Flavors
What truly sets this pasta salad apart is its exquisite balance. The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries harmonizes beautifully with the savory, tender chicken and the rich, creamy avocado. This delightful interplay of flavors is further enhanced by our luscious poppy seed dressing, which adds a tangy, slightly sweet, and utterly addictive layer to every bite. It’s a taste sensation that will keep you coming back for more.
Effortless Preparation for Busy Days
Life can get hectic, especially during the vibrant summer months. That’s why this recipe is a true lifesaver. By utilizing shortcuts like pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you can significantly cut down on prep time without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. It’s a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner, a stress-free lunch, or a last-minute contribution to a gathering. Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the sunshine!
Visually Stunning and Party-Perfect
You eat with your eyes first, and this salad is a feast for them. The bright red strawberries, verdant avocado, crisp green spring mix, and golden pasta create a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, heading to a potluck, or simply want to brighten up your family dinner table, this salad makes a beautiful and inviting presentation that speaks volumes about fresh, wholesome goodness.
Satisfying and Wholesome Goodness
This isn’t just a light side dish; it’s a complete meal that will leave you feeling fully satisfied. Packed with protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil, complex carbohydrates from the pasta, and a bounty of vitamins from the fresh produce, it’s a wholesome choice that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet is genuinely good for you.
Essential Ingredients for the Ultimate Summer Pasta Salad
Creating this delightful salad starts with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the incredible flavor and texture profile that makes this dish so special. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
For the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing:
- Olive Oil: The base of our dressing, providing a smooth texture and rich, fruity undertones. Opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a crucial tang and acidity that brightens the entire dressing and cuts through the richness of other ingredients.
- Honey: Introduces a natural sweetness, perfectly complementing the strawberries in the salad. You can adjust the amount to suit your preference for sweetness.
- Shallots (finely chopped): Offers a milder, more delicate onion flavor than regular onions, adding a subtle aromatic depth to the dressing.
- Poppy Seeds: These are the star of the dressing, providing a characteristic nutty flavor and a delightful textural crunch.
- Dijon Mustard: Acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the oil and vinegar, and contributes a sophisticated, slightly spicy kick.
- Mayonnaise: For that extra creamy texture. A couple of teaspoons make a big difference, but it can be omitted if you’re looking to reduce calories without sacrificing much on flavor.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors and bring them into balance.
For the Salad:
- Spring Mix: A blend of tender, flavorful salad greens that provides a fresh, slightly bitter counterpoint to the other ingredients. Its delicate texture works wonderfully here.
- Pasta: Cooked to al dente perfection. I used a medium-sized elbow pasta, which is great for catching the dressing, but feel free to choose penne, small bowties, or shells. Any short pasta shape will do!
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: This is my secret weapon for making this salad incredibly easy and quick. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is flavorful, tender, and saves you a significant amount of cooking time. You can shred it yourself or buy it pre-shredded.
- Strawberries (sliced): The sweet stars of the show! Ripe, juicy strawberries add bursts of fresh, vibrant flavor and a beautiful splash of color.
- Avocados (sliced or diced): Bring a creamy, rich texture and healthy fats to the salad. They add a wonderful smoothness that contrasts with the other ingredients. Make sure they are just ripe – firm enough to hold their shape but yielding to gentle pressure.
- Glazed Walnuts or Pecans: A fantastic addition for crunch and a hint of extra sweetness. You can often find these pre-glazed in the salad dressing aisle or the baking section of your grocery store. Their candied coating elevates the salad’s texture and flavor profile.
- Cotija Cheese (finely crumbled): This Mexican cheese adds a salty, tangy, and slightly crumbly texture that really enhances the salad. If you can’t find Cotija, crumbled feta cheese makes an excellent alternative.
The combination of these carefully selected ingredients creates a multi-layered dish that is both complex and incredibly satisfying. Each element plays its part in making this Chicken Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Step-By-Step Guide: Crafting Your Delicious Pasta Salad
Making this Chicken Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad is incredibly straightforward, broken down into two main parts: preparing the dressing and assembling the salad. Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping dish that will impress everyone.
Preparing the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing:
- Gather Your Ingredients: Ensure you have all the dressing components measured out and ready. This includes olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, finely chopped shallots, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Combine and Shake: In a mason jar or a small bowl with a tight-fitting lid, combine all the dressing ingredients. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. If using a bowl, whisk everything together thoroughly until smooth.
- Set Aside: Once mixed, set the dressing aside. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen while you prepare the rest of the salad. You can also make the dressing a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using.
Assembling the Chicken Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad:
- Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spring mix, your cooked and cooled pasta (ensure it’s al dente), the shredded rotisserie chicken, sliced strawberries, and sliced or diced avocados.
- Toss Gently: Using large salad tongs, gently toss these ingredients together to distribute them evenly. Be careful not to mash the avocado or strawberries.
- Dress the Salad: Give your creamy poppy seed dressing another good shake (if it’s been sitting). Pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad. Start with about two-thirds of the dressing, as you can always add more.
- Toss Again: Gently toss the salad once more, ensuring every ingredient is lightly coated with the delicious dressing. If the salad seems a bit dry or you prefer a more heavily dressed salad, add a little more dressing and toss again.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle the glazed walnuts (or pecans) and the finely crumbled Cotija cheese generously over the top of the salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.
All these ingredients work together seamlessly, making this salad a truly delicious option for a fabulous lunch or a light, satisfying dinner. No one will be leaving the table hungry; in fact, it’ll leave you feeling content and craving for more! Please do let me know if you give the recipe a try, and if you have any questions about the recipe, just drop a comment below. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Expert Tips & Variations for Your Perfect Pasta Salad
This Chicken Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy customization to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some cook’s notes and ideas to elevate your experience:
Adjusting the Dressing:
- For Extra Creaminess: To make the poppy seed dressing even richer, I recommend adding a few teaspoons of mayonnaise. If you’re conscious about calories, you can certainly omit the mayo, and the dressing will still be fantastic.
- Sweetness Level: I prefer a subtly sweet dressing, so I don’t go overboard with the honey. However, if you enjoy yours sweeter, feel free to add a little more honey to taste until it reaches your desired sweetness.
Cheese Alternatives:
- While this salad tastes absolutely delicious with the tangy Cotija cheese, it also works incredibly well with crumbled feta cheese if that’s what you prefer or have readily available. Feta offers a similar salty, briny kick that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Pasta Choices:
- I used a medium-sized elbow-type pasta for this recipe, which is excellent for soaking up the dressing. However, feel free to experiment with other short pasta shapes like penne, small bowties (farfalle), or shells (conchiglie). Choose a shape that you enjoy and that will hold the dressing well.
Nutty Additions:
- This salad is delicious with either glazed pecans or walnuts, both of which provide a wonderful crunch and a hint of sweetness. If you’re looking for another option, glazed almonds would also be a fantastic addition, offering a slightly different flavor profile and texture.
Boost with Fresh Herbs:
- For an extra layer of freshness, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint or basil. These herbs can really brighten up the salad and add an aromatic touch, especially when paired with strawberries.
Protein Alternatives:
- If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, feel free to use grilled chicken breast, baked chicken, or even a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Cooked shrimp would also be a luxurious addition for a seafood twist.
Add More Vegetables:
- Want to boost your veggie intake? Diced cucumbers, finely chopped red bell peppers, or even corn kernels would be lovely additions, contributing extra crunch and color.
Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion
This versatile salad can be served in many ways, making it suitable for a variety of occasions:
- Main Course: It’s hearty enough to be enjoyed as a light yet fulfilling main course, especially on warm summer evenings.
- Side Dish: Pair it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite barbecue dishes. Its refreshing qualities perfectly balance richer mains.
- Picnics and Potlucks: Its robust nature means it travels well, making it an ideal choice for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and potlucks. Just pack the dressing separately and add it right before serving for optimal freshness.
- Meal Prep: Prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week for easy, delicious lunches throughout your busy schedule.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, there are ways to prepare elements in advance and store leftovers:
- Make-Ahead Dressing: The creamy poppy seed dressing can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake well before use.
- Pasta and Chicken: Cooked pasta and shredded chicken can also be prepared 1-2 days ahead and stored separately in the fridge.
- Assembled Salad: If you plan to eat the salad immediately, go ahead and combine everything. However, if you’re making it for a later time or for meal prep, it’s best to keep the dressing, spring mix, and avocado separate until just before serving. This prevents the greens from wilting and the avocado from browning.
- Preventing Avocado Browning: To keep sliced or diced avocado fresh longer, toss it with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad. This simple trick helps prevent oxidation.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Be aware that the spring mix may wilt slightly and the avocado might brown over time, but it will still be delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can! For best results, prepare the dressing, cook the pasta, and shred the chicken in advance. Keep the dressing, mixed greens, and sliced avocado separate. Combine all ingredients just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning in the salad?
To minimize browning, toss the sliced or diced avocado with a small amount of lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad. If making ahead, add the avocado right before serving.
Is this a healthy salad option?
Absolutely! This salad is packed with lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil, complex carbohydrates from the pasta, and a wealth of vitamins and fiber from the fruits and vegetables. It’s a balanced and nutritious meal.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. It’s a great way to repurpose remnants from a previous meal and makes the salad even quicker to assemble.
What if I don’t like poppy seeds?
If poppy seeds aren’t your preference, you can still enjoy a creamy dressing. Simply omit the poppy seeds, or replace them with a small amount of sesame seeds for a different nutty flavor.
More Delicious Summer Salad Recipes to Enjoy
Curried Chicken Salad
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas
Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Chicken Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing
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Ingredients
Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 Tbsp. shallots, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. poppy seeds
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp. mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Salad
- 4 cups spring mix
- 4 cups cooked pasta
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 2 just ripe avocados, sliced or diced
- 1 cup Glazed Walnuts
- 3/4 cup Cotija Cheese, finely crumbled
Instructions
Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
- Combine all ingredients for dressing in a mason jar. Shake well. Set aside.
Salad
- In a large bowl, combine spring mix, cooked pasta, chicken, strawberries and avocados. Toss. Shake dressing and pour desired amount over salad. Toss again, adding more dressing if desired. Sprinkle with glazed walnuts and Cotija cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
I also did not overdo the honey in the dressing, but if you enjoy yours sweeter then just add a smidge more.
This salad tastes delicious with the Cotija cheese, but it also works well with feta if you’d prefer.
I used a medium sized elbow type pasta, but feel free to use penne, small bowties or shells.
This salad is delicious with either glazed pecans, walnuts or even almonds.