If you’re looking for a fresh twist on a classic dish, this Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad could be your new go-to. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, this salad is both a feast for the eyes and the palate. The creaminess of ripe avocados pairs beautifully with al dente pasta, creating a dish that’s perfect for picnics, family dinners, or a delightful lunch. Enjoy the blend of textures and tastes in every bite!
Steps
- Blend all the dressing ingredients until smooth: an avocado, lime juice, fresh cilantro, cumin, garlic powder, buttermilk, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the pasta by cooking it according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse it with cold water.
- Mix diced avocado with lime juice to prevent browning.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, crispy crumbled bacon, sliced green onion, chopped cilantro, and the lime-coated diced avocado.
- Gently toss all the salad ingredients with the prepared avocado dressing.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for about one hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini or bow tie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 avocado
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1852 | Carbohydrates: 120g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 132g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 1344mg | Potassium: 2884mg | Fiber: 32g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 2020IU | Vitamin C: 83.6mg | Calcium: 220mg | Iron: 7.6mg
FAQ
- How can I quickly ripen avocados for the salad?
- To speed up the ripening process of avocados, place them in a paper bag alongside ripe bananas. The ethylene gas released by the bananas will help the avocados ripen faster.
- What is the best way to store cut avocados to prevent browning?
- To slow down browning, brush the cut surface of the avocado with lemon or lime juice and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating.
- Can I freeze avocados, and how should I do it?
- Yes, avocados can be frozen. Scoop out the flesh and mix with half a tablespoon of lemon juice per avocado. Puree the mixture in a blender or food processor, then store in a freezer bag. This frozen avocado can be used later in recipes like this pasta salad or in guacamole.
- How long does the Avocado Pasta Salad stay fresh, and when is it best to serve?
- While the salad can be enjoyed as leftovers for a couple of days, it is best made on the day of serving due to the nature of avocados.
- What can I do if the avocado dressing becomes too thick?
- If the avocado dressing thickens too much, simply stir in a bit of buttermilk to reach the desired consistency before serving.
Tips
- To speed up the ripening process of avocados, place them in a paper bag along with ripe bananas. The ethylene gas emitted by the bananas will help ripen the avocados faster.
- If the avocado dressing becomes too thick after refrigeration, add a little buttermilk and stir before serving to achieve the desired consistency.
- To prevent the avocados from browning quickly, brush the cut surfaces with lemon or lime juice and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating.
- For a protein boost and to make the salad a main dish, consider adding chopped grilled or rotisserie chicken to the mix.
Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor – For processing the avocado dressing until smooth.
- Large Mixing Bowl – To combine all the salad ingredients and toss with the dressing.
