Alright, flavor adventurers, gather ’round! Let me tell you about the Avocado Pasta Salad that’s been ruling my kitchen. I’m talking the kind of Avocado Pasta Salad that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite.
Picture this: I’m at a rooftop party in Havana, the sun is setting, and the air is thick with the scent of sea salt and grilled mojo pork. A friend of a friend brings out this vibrant green Avocado Pasta Salad, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much. Pasta salad? Been there, done that. But one bite, and BAM! My world changed. The creaminess of the avocado, the bright tang of lime, the satisfying bite of perfectly cooked pasta – it was a flavor explosion!
That’s the moment I knew I had to recreate this magic in my own kitchen. It’s the Avocado Pasta Salad that embodies everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a whole lotta love.
I’ve spent weeks perfecting this recipe, tweaking every ingredient until it was just right. And believe me, the journey was filled with some serious taste-testing!
Now, I’m beyond excited to share this Avocado Pasta Salad recipe with you! Get ready to ditch those boring, bland pasta salads and step into a world of creamy, dreamy, flavor-packed goodness. Let’s get cooking! 🔥
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
This Avocado Pasta Salad ingredient list is SHORT but mighty!
- 1 pound pasta (I like rotini or penne for this Avocado Pasta Salad because they grab the sauce, but use your fave!)
- 3 ripe avocados: The secret to epic Avocado Pasta Salad is using perfectly ripe avocados. They should yield to gentle pressure but not be mushy.
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion: Adds a nice bite and a pop of color to your Avocado Pasta Salad.
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a MUST for that signature Cuban flavor.
- 1/4 cup lime juice: Freshly squeezed, always! It’s the zing that makes this Avocado Pasta Salad sing.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Extra virgin for the best flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better.
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional): For a little kick! Adjust to your spice preference.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy! Season generously.
Here’s the Avocado Pasta Salad game-changer that will blow your mind: a tiny pinch of cumin. It adds a warm, earthy note that complements the avocado perfectly.
You’ll find the best avocados for this Avocado Pasta Salad at your local farmers market. Look for ones that are dark green and slightly bumpy.
Splurge on fresh cilantro for this one Avocado Pasta Salad ingredient – trust me. The flavor is so much better than dried.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Ready to make some Avocado Pasta Salad magic? Let’s do this!
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Here’s where most people mess up their Avocado Pasta Salad – they overcook the pasta! Trust me, slightly firm is the way to go. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps your Avocado Pasta Salad from getting mushy.
- Prep the avocado sauce: In a large bowl, combine the avocados, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and jalapeño (if using). Don’t stress – your Avocado Pasta Salad is going to be incredible!
- Mash it up: Mash everything together with a fork until you have a creamy, slightly chunky sauce. I like to leave some small chunks of avocado for texture.
- Season generously: Add salt and pepper to taste. And remember that pinch of cumin? Now’s the time! Trust me, it’s a Avocado Pasta Salad flavor bomb.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the avocado sauce. Gently toss until the pasta is evenly coated. This is where your Avocado Pasta Salad transforms into pure magic.
- Chill out: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This Avocado Pasta Salad is even better after it’s had a chance to chill.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, give it one last taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Need more lime? Go for it! More salt? You got it! This Avocado Pasta Salad is all about making it your own.
Pro tip for Avocado Pasta Salad perfection: add a splash of pasta water to the avocado mixture for extra creaminess.
In my kitchen, this Avocado Pasta Salad takes exactly 25 minutes from start to finish. But trust me, it’s worth every second!
Your Avocado Pasta Salad should look vibrant green and smell incredibly fresh. If it’s looking a little dull, add a squeeze of lime juice to brighten it up.
While your Avocado Pasta Salad is working its magic in the fridge, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! ✨
PRESENTATION:
Presentation is key, flavor adventurers! We eat with our eyes first, so let’s make this Avocado Pasta Salad a feast for all the senses.
For maximum impact, serve this Avocado Pasta Salad in a beautiful bowl. Garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge.
This Avocado Pasta Salad absolutely slays at dinner parties! It’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Avocado Pasta Salad at summer barbecues. It’s the perfect side dish for grilled meats and veggies.
I love to pair this Avocado Pasta Salad with some grilled shrimp or chicken for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, try adding some black beans or chickpeas.
For an Instagram-worthy presentation, try layering the Avocado Pasta Salad in a clear glass bowl. This shows off the beautiful green color and all the fresh ingredients.
If you have any leftover Avocado Pasta Salad (which is rare!), try using it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas. Seriously, it’s amazing.
For a seasonal variation, try adding some grilled corn and chopped tomatoes in the summer. In the fall, roasted butternut squash would be delicious!
This Avocado Pasta Salad reminds me of another flavor explosion: my Cucumber Caprese Salad. Check it out for another fresh and vibrant side dish!
FAQs:
Got questions about this Avocado Pasta Salad? I’ve got answers!
- Can I make this Avocado Pasta Salad spicier? Absolutely! Add more jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the avocado sauce.
- What if I don’t have cilantro? While cilantro is a key ingredient, you can substitute it with parsley or even basil in a pinch. But trust me, cilantro is the way to go!
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Of course! Any short pasta shape will work. I like rotini, penne, or farfalle.
- How long will this Avocado Pasta Salad last in the fridge? This Avocado Pasta Salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours. The avocado can start to brown after that.
- Can I make this vegan? You bet! This Avocado Pasta Salad is naturally vegan.
- What if my avocados aren’t ripe? You can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with a banana or apple.
- How do I keep the avocado from browning? The lime juice helps to prevent browning, but you can also add a thin layer of olive oil on top of the Avocado Pasta Salad before refrigerating.
- Can I add cheese to this Avocado Pasta Salad? I’ve never tried it, but some crumbled feta or cotija cheese could be delicious!
- What if I don’t have fresh lime juice? Bottled lime juice can be used if necessary, but the flavor won’t be quite as bright. Freshly squeezed is always best for that signature Avocado Pasta Salad tang!
For more bold flavor adventures, check out my Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! It’s another recipe that’s guaranteed to knock your socks off.
CONCLUSION:
This Avocado Pasta Salad represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a celebration of life. It’s a recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a fancy summer party.
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is the key to a perfect texture.
- Use perfectly ripe avocados! They should yield to gentle pressure but not be mushy.
- Season generously! Salt, pepper, and that pinch of cumin make all the difference.
Here are a few Avocado Pasta Salad variations I’ve created and loved:
- Spicy Avocado Pasta Salad: Add a chopped serrano pepper to the avocado sauce.
- Mediterranean Avocado Pasta Salad: Add chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Tropical Avocado Pasta Salad: Add chopped mango and pineapple.
The spicy Avocado Pasta Salad version always gets the biggest reactions at my parties. People can’t get enough of that kick!
I’m confident that you can make this Avocado Pasta Salad your signature dish. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to create some amazing Avocado Pasta Salad memories! I found inspiration for this Avocado Pasta Salad from this great recipe: Healthy Avocado Pasta Salad – The Mindful Hapa
If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try my Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta! It’s another flavor sensation.
I’m serious, this Avocado Pasta Salad is THE TRUTH. Check out some other delicious vegan versions from Vegan Avocado Pasta Salad – The Stingy Vegan and Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad (Vegan) – Fresh Water Peaches
Share your Avocado Pasta Salad creations with me! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Tag me on social media and let’s celebrate the deliciousness together! 🔥🌮✨
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Avocado Pasta Salad
This creamy avocado pasta salad is a quick and easy meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. The avocado creates a rich, flavorful sauce without any heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or similar)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the avocado sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine avocados, basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season the avocado sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, avocado sauce, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the avocado sauce. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.