Avocado Pasta Salad
Avocado Pasta Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that combines pasta with fresh ingredients. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light lunch. With creamy avocados and crunchy veggies, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Avocado Pasta Salad is a great choice for many reasons. First, it’s quick and easy to prepare, taking only a few minutes from start to finish. Second, it’s packed with nutrients from the avocados and vegetables, making it a healthy option. Finally, it’s versatile! You can enjoy it on its own or as a side dish for any meal.
How to Make Avocado Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Directions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and cilantro.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and toss gently.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve Avocado Pasta Salad
Avocado Pasta Salad is best served fresh. You can put it in a big bowl for sharing or serve individual portions. It goes well with grilled chicken or fish and makes a great addition to any barbecue. Enjoy it as a light main dish or a tasty side.
How to Store Avocado Pasta Salad
To store Avocado Pasta Salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2 days. However, the avocados may brown, so it’s best to eat it within a day.
Tips to Make Avocado Pasta Salad
- Use ripe avocados for a creamy texture.
- Make sure the pasta is completely cooled before mixing to prevent the avocados from getting mushy.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins, like grilled chicken or feta cheese.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe by adding different veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or corn. You can also add some lemon juice for extra zing or use different pasta shapes for fun!
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but try to add the avocados right before serving to keep them fresh.
2. Is it okay to use different pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as rotini, penne, or even whole wheat pasta.
3. Can I freeze Avocado Pasta Salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad because the avocados and fresh veggies don’t freeze well and can become mushy when thawed.
Enjoy making and sharing your Avocado Pasta Salad! It’s an easy and healthy choice that everyone will love!
Print
Avocado Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and healthy pasta salad featuring creamy avocados and crunchy veggies, perfect for summer gatherings and picnics.
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and cilantro.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and toss gently.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Use ripe avocados for a creamy texture. Make sure the pasta is completely cooled before mixing to prevent the avocados from getting mushy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pasta salad, avocado salad, healthy recipes, summer dishes
