Description
Cool Mediterranean flavors dance through this avocado pasta salad, blending creamy textures with zesty herbs and fresh ingredients. Summer gatherings become delightful moments when you serve this refreshing and nutritious dish packed with simple yet elegant charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn (cooked and cooled)
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in a generously salted pot of water at high heat, ensuring it reaches al dente consistency according to package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process, then allow to cool completely.
- Create a silky dressing by mashing a ripe avocado until perfectly smooth. Incorporate olive oil, tangy lime juice, pungent minced garlic, and earthy ground cumin. Season with salt and pepper, whisking until emulsified and creamy.
- Combine the cooled pasta in a spacious mixing bowl with vibrant diced avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp red onion, crisp cucumber, and sweet corn kernels.
- Pour the prepared avocado dressing over the salad, gently folding to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the luscious mixture.
- Finish the dish by scattering fresh, bright cilantro leaves across the top for an aromatic garnish. Serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to intensify the flavor profile.
Notes
- Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or quinoa to create a gluten-free or low-carb version that’s equally delicious and nutritious.
- Use fresh, ripe avocados for the creamiest dressing possible, ensuring they’re soft but not overly mushy when pressed gently.
- Quickly dice vegetables right before mixing to maintain crisp textures and prevent wilting, keeping the salad looking vibrant and fresh.
- Customize protein options by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal that suits different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg