Avocado Tomato Pasta Salad

$To make a tasty avocado tomato pasta salad, gather these key items: - 8 oz penne pasta - 2 ripe avocados, diced - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a colorful and fresh dish. The penne pasta gives a hearty base, while the avocados add creaminess. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and bright color. Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma, making each bite delightful. You can add a few optional items for extra taste: - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled Feta cheese adds a salty kick to the salad. It pairs well with the creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes. If you love cheese, don’t skip this ingredient! To enjoy the best flavors, use fresh ingredients. Look for ripe avocados that feel slightly soft when you press them. Fresh basil should smell strong and fragrant. Cherry tomatoes should be bright and firm. This will ensure your salad tastes amazing and looks vibrant. When ingredients are fresh, they make the salad pop! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it until it's al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes, but check the package for exact times. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to cool it off. This step helps stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta from sticking. In a big mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta. Next, toss in 2 ripe avocados, diced into small pieces. Then, add 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup of finely diced red onion. The colors will start to pop! For some fresh flavor, mix in 1/4 cup of chopped basil. If you like feta, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of crumbled cheese. This adds a nice creamy touch. Now, let's make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk until it’s well mixed. Pour this dressing over your pasta salad. Gently toss everything together so that all the ingredients are coated. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. This time helps the flavors blend perfectly. To dice avocados, start by cutting them in half. Remove the pit carefully. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. Place the avocado half on a cutting board, flesh side up. Make vertical and horizontal cuts in the flesh without cutting through the skin. Use a spoon again to scoop out the diced pieces. This keeps the pieces neat and makes your salad look great. To make your salad pop with flavor, use simple seasonings. Garlic powder adds a nice touch. Salt and pepper enhance all the other tastes. Olive oil and balsamic vinegar bring richness and tang to the dish. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a bright twist. These flavors blend well with the creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes. Keep your prep simple by using a few quick tricks. Cook the penne pasta ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. This way, you save time when you prepare the salad. Use pre-diced onions or cherry tomatoes if available. You can also buy crumbled feta cheese to skip the crumbling step. These small changes make cooking faster and easier, so you can enjoy your meal sooner. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use ripe avocados and fresh basil for the best flavor in your salad. Chilling Time: Let the salad sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Pasta Cooking: Be sure not to overcook the penne pasta; al dente ensures the pasta holds up well in the salad. Customizable Options: Feel free to add other veggies or proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make the salad more hearty. {{image_2}} You can boost your salad's protein with chicken or chickpeas. For chicken, grill or roast some pieces. Chop them into bite-sized bits. Toss them in with the pasta for a hearty meal. If you prefer chickpeas, use canned ones for a quick option. Rinse and drain them, then mix them in. Both choices add great flavor and texture. If you want a vegan version, simply leave out the feta cheese. You can replace it with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. This adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also add some avocado for creaminess. Your salad will still taste fresh and delicious without any animal products. You can change the salad based on the season. In spring, add peas or asparagus for a crunch. In summer, include diced cucumbers or bell peppers for freshness. You can even swap cherry tomatoes for heirloom ones to mix flavors. Seasonal ingredients keep your salad exciting and full of life. To keep your avocado tomato pasta salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent browning of the avocados and keeps the salad tasty. If you have extra dressing, store it separately to keep the salad from getting soggy. You can store the pasta salad in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the avocados may turn brown, and the salad can lose its bright flavor. If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it’s best to toss it out. Always check before eating! You can enjoy this salad cold, as it is meant to be a refreshing dish. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to help maintain the creamy texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the salad mushy. Yes, you can use different types of pasta. Penne works well, but you can try rotini or fusilli. These shapes hold the dressing well and add fun to the dish. Just remember to cook the pasta until it is al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and tasty. You can keep this salad in the fridge for about three days. After that, the avocados may brown and the tomatoes may become mushy. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. If you add the dressing later, it can last even longer. If you need a substitute for balsamic vinegar, try red wine vinegar. It has a nice tang that works well with this salad. You can also mix lemon juice with olive oil for a fresh twist. Both options add flavor without changing the salad too much. This article covered the key ingredients for your pasta salad, plus how to mix and serve it. I shared tips for perfecting flavors, like dicing avocados and choosing seasonings. You can try variations for added protein or seasonal freshness. Lastly, I discussed how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Now, it's time to make your pasta salad your own. Use these tips and enjoy a tasty dish!$

A refreshing pasta salad featuring ripe avocados and cherry tomatoes, perfect for a light meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
2 whole ripe avocados, diced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup red onion, finely diced
0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion.
Add the chopped fresh basil and crumbled feta cheese (if using) to the bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together until well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or olive oil to your preference.
Let the salad sit for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature for the flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

Serve the salad in a large bowl, garnished with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for an appealing look.

Keyword avocado, healthy, pasta salad, tomato