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CREAMY AVOCADO CHICKEN PASTA SALAD centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Joe Rooney

Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Fresh

This Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh and satisfying dish that combines tender shredded chicken, short cut pasta, and a vibrant salsa verde dressing with a creamy homemade ranch avocado dressing. Perfect for warm days or casual gatherings, this recipe is packed with flavors from crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, and crispy bacon, making every bite deliciously memorable.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/3 cup mayo
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dried chives
  • 2 teaspoons dried dill
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • salt and black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk, plus more as needed
  • 1 pound short cut pasta
  • 1/2 cup salsa verde
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cubed spicy cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro
  • 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 avocado, diced

Method
 

  1. Start by blending all dressing ingredients together in a jar until smooth, adjusting thickness with buttermilk and seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
  2. Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until it is tender but still firm to the bite, then drain well.
  3. While the pasta is still warm, combine it in a bowl with salsa verde and shredded chicken, then stir in the creamy dressing until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Add the shredded romaine, both types of cheddar cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and crumbled bacon to the bowl; toss gently to mix.
  5. Finish by placing the diced avocado on top and serve the salad warm or chilled, whichever you prefer.

Notes

  • Feel free to add more buttermilk if you prefer a thinner dressing. This salad is great for make-ahead meal prep and tastes even better the next day. Skip the spicy cheddar if you want a milder flavor.