Looking for a new summer salad to serve at backyard gatherings, barbecues, or just at home with grilled meat, chicken, or fish? This yummy salad uses up fresh tomatoes and basil from the garden, as well as grilled chicken. If you happen to be grilling a day or two before you want to serve this salad, grill extra so it will be on hand. Grilled Chicken, Farfalle, and Tomato Salad will be a hit with family and guests; it doesn’t have a heavy dressing, and is perfect for summer.

The acid in the tomatoes keep the avocados green, so the salad can be made the day before serving if it’s more convenient. Actually, it’s best when it is chilled for an hour or two before serving. The creamy avocados go well with the chicken and pasta and make for a very satisfying taste of summer. This salad can also be served as a main dish with a slice or two of freshly baked crusty bread on the side. It is colorful and is a good choice to take to a pot luck or backyard barbecue.

12 Servings

12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cleaned of any fat, veins, etc.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 large tomatoes, chopped or 1 14.5 ounce can petit diced tomatoes
2 large avocados, peeled and diced
1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

8 ounces farfalle pasta, cooked in boiling, salted water, drained and rinsed

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Sprinkle the chicken breast halves with salt and pepper; grill until just cooked through.
2. Cool, dice, and set aside.
3. Mix the tomatoes, avocados, and basil in a serving bowl.
4. Whizz the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt and pepper in a bullet or regular blender; pour over the avocados and tomatoes, and toss in the pasta.
5. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary.
6. Cover with plastic wrap and chill till ready to serve.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 252 Calories from Fat 122
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 48% Protein 17% Carb. 34%

Nutrient Amount per % Daily
Serving Value
Total Fat 14 g 21%
Saturated Fat 2 g 12%
Cholesterol 19 mg 6%
Sodium 78 mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 22 g 7%
Dietary Fiber 2 g 7%
Sugars 0 g
Protein 11 g

Vitamin A 16% Vitamin C 37% Calcium 0% Iron 8%