Name: Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
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; 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional, crumbled); 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice); 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (optional, for extra tang); 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Are you ready to revolutionize your dinner experience with a dish that’s both simple and utterly delicious? Look no further than the Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad! This vibrant recipe perfectly melds creamy, ripe avocados with colorful veggies, creating a delightful burst of flavor that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; the ingredients come together effortlessly, allowing even the busiest of home cooks to whip up a meal that feels gourmet. Just imagine the creamy texture of avocado, complemented by the satisfying bite of bowtie pasta, all tossed together with a tangy dressing. This is not just pasta; it’s a celebration of freshness!

This Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad brings together fresh vegetables such as cherry tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers with the aromatic addition of cilantro and a zesty dressing that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, it’s an ideal choice for a quick family dinner or a cheerful gathering with friends. Those summer nights spent outside enjoying a leisurely dinner or a picnic just got more exciting, and that’s all thanks to this fantastic recipe! Are you excited to give this a try? Let’s dive into how you’ll be making this delicious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh veggies and creamy avocado delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
Easy to Prepare: With minimal cooking required, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with healthy fats from avocados and nutritious vegetables, it’s a guilt-free dish.
Customizable: Easily adapt the salad to suit your dietary preferences by swapping ingredients.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or a summer BBQ, this salad is a crowd-pleaser!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you get cooking, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools and ingredients. Start by ensuring you have a large pot for boiling pasta, a cutting board, and a sharp knife for your veggies. A mixing bowl or large salad bowl will be required for combining everything beautifully. Don’t forget a whisk or a small bowl for your dressing; you can even use a jar if you prefer to shake it up. Having a colander handy will be invaluable for draining and rinsing the pasta after cooking.

Lastly, make sure your ingredients are prepped: dice your avocados, halve your cherry tomatoes, and chop any other veggies you desire! Setting everything up beforehand saves you time and hassle, and allows you to enjoy the cooking process. Once everything is ready, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create this delightful Creamy 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
1/4 cup feta cheese (optional, crumbled)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
1 tbsp red wine vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot filled with salted water to a rolling boil. Once it reaches that point, add your bowtie pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes, until it becomes al dente. This ensures that the pasta remains firm and holds up well when mixed with the other ingredients. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool it down. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, and red wine vinegar. Add in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes as well. Using a whisk, mix these ingredients together until they are well combined and achieve a smooth consistency. This dressing adds a tangy yet creamy element to the salad, making every bite delectable!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Take your large mixing bowl and add the cooled pasta, followed by the diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, diced cucumber, and fresh cilantro. Gently pour your prepared dressing over this vibrant mix. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, carefully toss everything together, ensuring that the dressing beautifully coats the ingredients without mashing the avocados. The goal is to have every piece evenly mixed while retaining some texture.

Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional)

If you’re a fan of feta cheese, this is the moment to sprinkle some crumbled feta over the top of your salad. If you prefer, you can gently toss it through the salad, but be careful not to break it down too much. This addition gives an extra layer of flavor and a pleasing creaminess that complements the dish beautifully.

Step 5: Serve

Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning of the salad if needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, a dash of pepper, or an extra squeeze of lime juice to enhance those vibrant flavors. The salad can be served immediately, or you can let it chill in the fridge for up to an hour. Chilling enhances the flavors, making this dish even more satisfying!

Variations

Protein: Boost your Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein kick.
Vegetables: Don’t hesitate to swap seasonal veggies like bell peppers or kale for added nutrition and variety.
Spices: Experiment with spices such as cumin or smoked paprika to introduce new flavors to the salad.

Cooking Notes

Make sure to use ripe but firm avocados; overripe avocados will turn mushy in the salad.
Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor profile as it allows the ingredients to marry together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it an excellent side dish for barbecues.
For a light lunch, serve it alongside some garlic bread or roasted vegetables.

Tips

If you prefer a creamier dressing, feel free to add Greek yogurt or sour cream to the mix.
Fresh lime zest can give your dressing an extra zing.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 250mg

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly, so add it closer to serving time for best results.

What can I substitute for the avocado?

If you’re not a fan of avocado, you can use creamy hummus or dairy-free cream cheeses for a creamy texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the bowtie pasta with a gluten-free version, you can easily make this salad gluten-free.

Can I add meat to this salad?

Definitely! Grilled chicken or shrimp works wonderfully and adds extra protein to make it a more filling meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad is not just another recipe; it’s a delightful whirlwind of flavors and textures that caters to various dietary preferences. Its simplicity combined with nutrition makes it a go-to dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet meal at home, you can bring a burst of freshness to your table effortlessly. Don’t hesitate to add your creative touches or experiment with different ingredients! Finally, we encourage you to comment below with your experience, share it with friends, and embark on this culinary journey together. Happy cooking!