Pasta-avocado salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the creamy goodness of ripe avocado with the crispness of fresh vegetables and the satisfying bite of pasta. This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks or a light lunch. The dressing, made with mashed avocado, lemon juice and a hint of garlic, adds rich and tangy flavor that coats every pasta piece beautifully. Paired with crunchy vegetables, like cherry tomato, cucumber and red onion, this salad not only pleases the palate but also brings a colorful presentation to the table. It¡¯s a versatile recipe, easy to customize with your favorite veggies or even protein additions, like grilled chicken or shrimp.
INGREDIENTS:
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? For the Salad:
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? 12 oz (340 g) pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
? 2 large ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
? 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
? 1 small cucumber, diced
? ? cup red onion, thinly sliced
? ? cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
? ? cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
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? For the Dressing:
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? 2 tablespoons olive oil
? Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
? 1 garlic clove, minced
? Salt and pepper, to taste
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INSTRUCTIONS:
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1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse
the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, mash the avocados with a fork until smooth. Stir in the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper
until well combined.
3. Combine the Salad: Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the dressing and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes, diced
cucumber, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
4. Add Final Touches: If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top for a bit of tanginess and extra creaminess.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy this creamy and refreshing
avocado pasta salad.
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TIPS:
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Customization: Add protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
Herb Swap: Substitute fresh basil or dill for cilantro to change up the flavor profile.
Storage: This salad is best enjoyed on the same day, due to the avocado, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
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