Imagine a dish that feels like summer sunshine trapped in a bowl—fresh, vibrant, and yet so utterly comforting it hugs you back. This avocado pasta salad is not just a recipe; it’s a quick escape from the mundane, a whirlwind of creamy textures and zesty flavors that somehow remind you of that impromptu picnic by the lake last July. You know, when the weather app lied about the rain. And, believe it or not, you can whip this up in just half an hour.
Steps
- Prepare the dressing by blending together an avocado, lime juice, chopped cilantro, cumin, garlic powder, buttermilk, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse it under cold water to cool.
- Toss the diced avocado with lime juice to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, sliced green onion, chopped cilantro, and the prepared avocado dressing.
- Gently mix all the ingredients until well-coated with the dressing, then refrigerate for one hour before serving.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of rotini or bow tie pasta
- 1 cup of diced cherry tomatoes
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice
- 1 avocado
- Juice of ½ a lime
- ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ teaspoon of cumin
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ cup of buttermilk
- ¼ teaspoon of salt, or adjusted to taste
- Black pepper to taste
FAQ
- How can I speed up the ripening process of avocados?
- To ripen avocados more quickly, place them in a paper bag with ripe bananas. The ethylene gas emitted by the bananas will help accelerate the ripening process.
- What is the best way to store a cut avocado to prevent it from browning?
- Brush the exposed flesh of the avocado with lemon or lime juice, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. This will help slow down the browning process.
- Can avocados be frozen for later use, and how should they be prepared for freezing?
- Yes, avocados can be frozen. Scoop out the flesh, add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice per avocado, puree in a blender or food processor, and store in a freezer bag. This method preserves the avocado for future use in recipes.
- What can I do if my avocado dressing is too thick?
- If the avocado dressing becomes too thick, simply add a little buttermilk and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
- Is it possible to prepare Avocado Pasta Salad in advance, and how long does it last?
- While it’s best to make the salad on the day it is served due to the nature of avocados, you can prepare it a few hours ahead. The salad can be enjoyed for a couple of days, although it is at its best when freshly made.
Tips
- To speed up the ripening process of avocados, place them in a paper bag with ripe bananas. The ethylene gas from the bananas will help the avocados ripen more quickly.
- If the avocado dressing becomes too thick after refrigerating, stir in a little buttermilk to thin it out before serving.
- To prevent a cut avocado from browning quickly, brush the exposed surface with lemon or lime juice and wrap it in plastic wrap before storing in the refrigerator.
- For longer storage, freeze ripe avocados by pureeing them with a bit of lemon juice and storing them in a freezer bag. This is perfect for future use in this pasta salad or guacamole.
Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor – For making the avocado dressing smooth.
- Large Mixing Bowl – To combine and toss all salad ingredients together.
