Avocado Pasta Salad

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Looking for a fresh twist for lunch or dinner? Try making an avocado pasta salad. This dish blends creamy avocados, tangy dressing, and your favorite pasta for a quick and tasty meal. Adding your choice of veggies makes it a colorful and nutritious option. Perfect for picnics or as a quick meal, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Tool Requirements

To make a delicious avocado pasta salad, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Start with a large pot to cook your pasta. Good news is, any pot big enough to boil water should work.

A sharp knife is key for chopping vegetables and avocados smoothly. This makes slicing through everything much easier and safer.

A cutting board gives you space to chop veggies without making a mess. It’s best if you dedicate one board just for veggies to keep them fresh and separate from other foods.

Next, a mixing bowl holds all the goodies together. A medium-sized bowl should do the trick, and it gives you room to toss everything around without spilling.

You’ll also need a spoon or tongs to mix the pasta salad. They help in making sure the dressing coats each piece evenly.

From slicing to mixing, having these tools ready means you’re all set to start making this tasty dish.

Preparing The Ingredients

Start by gathering fresh, ripe avocados. You’ll need two or three, depending on their size. Make sure they’re slightly soft but not mushy when you gently squeeze them. Slice them open and remove the pit. Scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash it up.

Next, you’ll need pasta. Choose whole wheat or your favorite gluten-free option if you prefer. Cook according to the package directions until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly.

Cherry tomatoes add a sweet crunch. Slice them in half. If you like onions, go for some red onion. Chop it finely. You can also add some bell peppers for a colorful touch. Dice them into small pieces.

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley bring extra flavor. Chop them up nice and fine. If they’re not your thing, you can skip this step.

Don’t forget about seasonings. A little salt and pepper go a long way. You might want to add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice for some zing. If you like, a dash of garlic powder can make a big difference too.

Gather all these into one place so you can put together your salad easily. Make sure everything is chopped, cooked, and ready to use. Once that’s done, you’re ready to mix it up and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Add a fresh twist to your pasta salad by pairing it with a crusty loaf of garlic bread. The warm, crispy edges of the bread go perfectly with the creamy avocado in the salad.
• For a bright burst of flavor, squeeze a little lemon juice over the salad right before you eat. It not only enhances the taste but also keeps the avocado from turning brown.
• If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top. Sunflower seeds or sliced almonds work great and add a nice texture.
• A side of grilled vegetables can really complement the salad. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a colorful and healthy addition to your meal.
• Consider serving it with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade. These cool drinks can balance the rich flavors of the pasta salad. You can even infuse the drinks with some fresh mint for extra freshness.
• Let the pasta salad chill in the fridge for about an hour before serving. This helps the flavors blend well together. Make sure you serve it in a bowl that highlights the bright green of the avocado.
• For a little extra spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. These can give a nice kick to the salad without overpowering the other flavors.

Storage Tips

• To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the avocado from browning too quickly.
• If possible, press a piece of plastic wrap onto the surface of the salad before sealing the container. This creates an extra barrier against air.
• Keep your salad in the fridge. It should last about 3 to 4 days. Remember, the fresher the ingredients, the longer it will stay tasty.
• Avoid adding dressing until you’re ready to eat. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy.
• Before serving leftovers, give the salad a good stir. This helps mix the flavors and revive the texture. If needed, add a bit more lemon juice or seasoning to freshen it up.

Avocado Pasta Salad

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 2 servings

Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 cup of whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
• 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 red onion
• 1/2 bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon of fresh basil or parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of lime or lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder optional

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Instructions

 

• Gather fresh, ripe avocados and ensure they’re slightly soft but not mushy when gently squeezed.
• Slice the avocados open, remove the pit, scoop the flesh into a bowl, and mash it up.
• Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
• Rinse the pasta under cold water and drain thoroughly.
• Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
• Finely chop the red onion.
• Dice the bell pepper into small pieces.
• Chop the fresh basil or parsley nice and fine.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice for some zing.
• Optionally, add a dash of garlic powder.
• Ensure all ingredients are chopped, cooked, and ready to use.
• Combine the mashed avocado, cooked pasta, sliced cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, diced bell pepper, chopped herbs, and seasonings in a bowl.
• Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal

Keyword Vegan

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Stefan K.

Stefan has been vegan since 2019 and has been regularly working on his strength since the beginning of 2023. He’s on a mission to help other vegans get stronger and have all of them achieve the quality of life they deserve.