Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe – Perfect for Summer!

Avocado pasta salad is a delightful blend of creamy avocados, vibrant veggies, and al dente pasta that dances on your taste buds. Picture this: the rich, buttery flavor of ripe avocados mingling with the crunchiness of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a zesty dressing that makes your mouth water. It’s a dish that sings of sunshine and laughter, perfect for summer picnics or cozy dinners at home.

This recipe isn’t just food; it’s a nostalgic hug from my childhood. I remember hot summer days when my mom would whip up her famous avocado pasta salad for family gatherings. Everyone would gather around the picnic table, plates piled high with colorful goodness, while we relished not just the meal but also the moments together. Get ready to create your own memories with this easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with flavor!

Ingredients for Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use your favorite shape like fusilli or penne; whole grain options work well too!
• Ripe Avocados: Choose bright green avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for creaminess.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for juicy red or yellow cherry tomatoes; they add sweetness and color.
• Cucumber: Fresh cucumber provides a refreshing crunch; slice them thinly for better texture.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds zing; soak them in cold water if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Use fragrant basil leaves for an aromatic touch that enhances the entire dish.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil offers richness; drizzle generously over your salad.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens flavors; use it to prevent avocado browning too!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your chosen pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, chop your cherry tomatoes in half, slice the cucumber thinly, and dice the ripe avocados. Don’t forget to finely chop some fresh basil leaves—they’re essential for that summery vibe.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste for seasoning. You can also add minced garlic if you’re feeling adventurous!

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, diced avocados, and dressing. Gently toss everything together until well coated—be careful not to mash those creamy avocados!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or transfer into an air-tight container. Let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving—it helps all those flavors meld together beautifully!

Step 6: Enjoy!

Transfer portions onto plates or into bowls—this salad is best enjoyed cold! Add extra basil on top for garnish if desired, then dig in!

With each bite of this avocado pasta salad recipe, you’ll be reminded of sunny days filled with laughter and good company. So whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this dish promises deliciousness every time!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking your pasta al dente, as nobody wants mushy noodles in their life. While the pasta cooks, whip up your creamy avocado dressing to save time. Toss everything together while it’s still warm to let those flavors mingle harmoniously.

Add Your Touch

Feeling adventurous? Swap in cherry tomatoes for a pop of color or add grilled chicken for extra protein. A sprinkle of feta or a handful of nuts can add crunch and flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, just give it a quick toss with a splash of olive oil to revive its creaminess before serving.

Sometimes, when I whip up this avocado pasta salad, my friends rave about it like I’ve just won a culinary award! It always brings back memories of summer gatherings filled with laughter and delicious food.

FAQs :

What ingredients are needed for Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe?

To create a delicious Avocado Pasta Salad, you will need pasta of your choice, ripe avocados, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs like basil. For the dressing, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. To add protein, consider grilled chicken or turkey. This combination provides a refreshing meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

How can I make the Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe vegan-friendly?

To make this Avocado Pasta Salad vegan-friendly, simply omit any animal-based proteins like chicken or turkey. You can increase the quantity of vegetables for added nutrition. Consider adding chickpeas or black beans for protein. Ensure that your dressing uses only plant-based ingredients to maintain its vegan status while keeping the salad flavorful and light.

Can I prepare the Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the Avocado Pasta Salad in advance. However, to prevent browning of the avocados, it’s best to store them separately until ready to serve. Prepare the pasta and vegetables ahead of time and mix them with the dressing just before serving. This will keep your salad fresh and vibrant while maintaining its delicious flavors.

What variations can I try with this Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe?

You can customize your Avocado Pasta Salad by adding various ingredients based on your preferences. Consider adding roasted bell peppers for extra sweetness or olives for a salty kick. You might also experiment with different types of pasta or include nuts for crunch. These variations will enhance flavors and textures while keeping the dish exciting and fresh.

Conclusion for Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe :

The Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe is a refreshing dish perfect for warm days or casual gatherings. By combining simple ingredients like avocados, pasta, and fresh vegetables, you create a nutritious meal that is easy to prepare. Feel free to customize it with different proteins or additional toppings to suit your taste preferences. With minimal preparation time and maximum flavor impact, this salad is sure to be a hit at any occasion!

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Avocado Pasta Salad

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Avocado pasta salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines creamy avocados, crunchy veggies, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for summer picnics or cozy dinners, offering a delightful burst of flavor with every bite. Ideal for meal prep or entertaining guests, it’s not just a recipe; it’s a nostalgic reminder of sunny days spent with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and cool.
2. In a bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, diced avocados, and chopped basil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
4. In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta with the vegetable mixture and drizzle the dressing over it. Toss gently to combine without mashing the avocados.
5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg