Description
Avocado and Tomato Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying dish combining creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta. This light yet filling salad is quick to prepare, nutrient-rich, and perfect as a quick meal or a colorful side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 200g dry short pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (natural)
- 1 small clove garlic, minced (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop further cooking.
- Prepare the Avocados and Tomatoes: While the pasta cooks, carefully dice the ripe avocados and halve the cherry tomatoes. Handle gently to maintain texture and appearance.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil (natural), lemon juice (natural), minced garlic (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper to create a zesty dressing.
- Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Choose soft, ripe avocados for maximum creaminess and smooth texture.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain firmness and prevent mushiness.
- Toss diced avocado with lemon juice immediately to keep its vibrant green color.
- Use fresh basil leaves for an aromatic lift.
- Adjust dressing ingredients gradually to balance tang and umami to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: avocado, tomato, pasta salad, fresh salad, plant-based, quick meal, vegetarian, nutritious, side dish
