Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe
There’s something utterly delightful about the combination of fresh strawberries and creamy avocado, especially when they’re both tossed into a vibrant pasta salad. This refreshing dish packs a punch with each bite, making it a perfect choice for summer gatherings or a quick and healthy meal at home. Packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, it offers both taste and nutritional benefits in a single bowl. Discover how easy it is to whip up this Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad in your own kitchen.
Growing up, my grandmother always believed in creating meals that were as colorful as they were nourishing. One summer afternoon, after a lively morning at the farmer’s market, she introduced me to the magical blend of strawberries and avocado tossed in pasta. It instantly became a family favorite, reminding us of sunlit picnics and garden parties, creating lasting culinary memories that I now cherish and pass on to you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is not only visually stunning but also delightfully simple to make. The balancing act between sweet, juicy strawberries and creamy avocados makes it a standout. Furthermore, it’s incredibly versatile, suitable as a standalone lunch or a delicious side for your barbecue. The recipe is also easily customizable to fit dietary preferences, keeping everyone at your table happy, and it requires minimal cooking, allowing flavors to shine in their natural forms.
Ingredients Notes
For this pasta salad, choose ripe avocados that gently yield to pressure and strawberries that are bright and fragrant. Opt for whole-grain pasta to add a wholesome touch. If you prefer a different green, arugula provides a peppery contrast that plays well with the sweetness of the fruit and the creaminess of the avocado.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This cools down the pasta, making it ready to absorb all the fresh flavors without overcooking.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare your strawberries by hulling them and slicing them into halves. Ensure your strawberries are uniform in size to create a balanced texture throughout the salad.
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Step 3
Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and dice it into small cubes. Drizzle with a little lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance its flavor as it rests.
Step 4
Combine the pasta, strawberries, and avocado in a large mixing bowl. Toss them gently, taking care not to mash the avocado.
Step 5
Add arugula or your preferred greens, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Optionally, sprinkle some feta cheese on top for a creamy tang. Fold everything together until well combined.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best consumed within 2 days to maintain freshness. Should you need to freeze it, note that the texture of avocados may change, so it’s best to freeze the pasta and strawberries, adding fresh avocados once you’re ready to serve. To reheat, allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, bringing out the flavors once more.
Variations & Substitutions
To cater to different dietary needs or flavor profiles, consider adding grilled chicken for extra protein or swapping out avocado for roasted sweet potatoes to adhere to a low-fat diet. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle toasted almonds or sunflower seeds. You can also replace arugula with baby spinach for a milder taste and more vitamins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine and dress them closer to serving time to maintain the salad’s freshness and vibrant colors, especially the avocado.
What type of pasta works best for this salad? Short pasta varieties such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle work excellently as they hold onto the sauce and ingredients well. Whole-grain options add fiber and nutrients, but traditional durum wheat pasta is also a viable choice if preferred.
Is there a substitute for strawberries? Yes, other berries like blueberries or raspberries can be delightful and add variety. Ensure they are just as ripe and sweet to maintain the intended flavor profile, balancing freshness with the creamy avocado.
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Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries sliced
- 1 piece avocado diced
- 8 oz fusilli pasta cooked
- 0.25 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced strawberries, diced avocado, and cooked pasta.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
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