Springtime Delight: Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Welcome to your new favorite springtime dish! As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, there's nothing quite like a refreshing and nutritious meal that both satisfies and energizes. Today, I'm excited to share with you my take on a creamy avocado pasta salad. This dish combines the creaminess of ripe avocados with the zesty flavors of lemon and the crunch of fresh vegetables. It's perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or as a side at your spring get-togethers!

Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 300g of your favorite pasta (I love using fusilli for this recipe because the twists catch all the creamy sauce)

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted

• Juice of 1 large lemon

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup of olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup of corn, fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen)

• 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup of cucumber, diced

• 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped

• 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

• Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.

• Make the Avocado Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the avocados, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

• Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the creamy avocado sauce. Add the cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, cucumber, and chopped basil. Toss everything together until well combined.

• Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory touch.

• Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

This creamy avocado pasta salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can be transformed into a delicious meal that’s perfect for any springtime occasion. Whether you're hosting a garden party or looking for something light yet fulfilling to add to your meal rotation, this recipe promises to deliver in both taste and health benefits.

Enjoy the burst of flavors and the delightful textures, and don't forget to share your experience if you try this recipe!

Written By: Jiaqi Zhang, Dietetic Intern

Jiaqi Zhang graduated with a Master's degree in Nutrition Science from Saint Louis University, and is completing her dietetic internship with Texas Health Dallas. Jiaqi is deeply passionate about nutrition, dietetics, and healthcare, something she has pursued diligently in her academic and professional life.