This modern pasta salad reinvents the traditional with a lush, creamy avocado dressing-best for warm summer time days while you crave fresh, vibrant flavors without compromising on comfort.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 250 gms pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 3/4 cup cucumber
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup onion
- 1/4 cup basil leaves
For the Creamy Avocado Dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon or lime
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/4cup water
- Salt and pepper: To flavor
- Optional: A pinch of red chili flakes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Take a large pot and bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and prepare dinner until just al dente.
- Drain and rinse underneath cold water to halt the cooking process. This step allows the pasta continue to be corporation and refreshingly cool when blended into the salad.
- Combine the Veggies:
- Now take a big blending bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, diced cucumber, pink bell pepper, purple onion, and chopped basil.
- These fresh substances set the degree for a salad bursting with coloration and texture.
- Whisk the dressing:
- In a blender or food processor, combine ripe avocado, olive oil, lemon (or lime) juice, minced garlic, water (or almond milk), salt, pepper and red pepper pieces (if desired). Mix until you achieve a simple, creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the salad:
- Sprinkle the creamy avocado dressing on your pasta and vegetable mixture. Carefully toss until each part is luxurious coated.
- If you have saved the extra avocado for the garnish, fold it now to add a joyful explosion of creaminess.
- Cool and Serve:
- Cover your salad and allow it to be in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This comfort time mixes the flavors beautifully.
- Before serving, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or sliver nuts to present a satisfactory shortage.
Tips and Variations:
- Customize your creaminess: If you prefer a little texture, mix half the avocado for a simple dressing and add the other half to the small aspect towards the end.
- Herbal experiment: Basil leaves, fresh cilantro or mint for a separate herbal profile that complement the avocado brightly.
- Protein Boost: Convert this salad into a hearty meal by adding in grilled tofu, chickpeas or paneer.
- Vegetable and versatile: Naturally vegan and dairy -free, this dish is suitable as a light lunch, one side for summer barbecue or an enthusiastic potluck pick.
Dive to this creamy avocado pasta salad rich, velvet taste, and its zesty, the new profile becomes a specialty of your next gathering. Its simplicity and adaptability ensures that it is a congestion that invites you to experiment with your favorite ingredients.
