Pasta salad with avocado dressing

Delicious Pasta Salad Recipe with Avocado Dressing

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

In a world full of flavors and colors, pasta salad with avocado dressing is a perfect choice for those warm days or when you want to impress friends at a casual meal. This recipe is not only quick and simple, but it also offers a unique combination of textures and flavors, bringing a splash of freshness to your plate. Here’s how to prepare it step by step!

Ingredients needed:

- 300 g fusilli pasta (or any other type of pasta you prefer)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 60 g capers, well drained
- 60 g jalapeño pepper (you can also use canned hot peppers if you prefer)
- 250 g avocado dressing (I recommend using a dressing made from fresh avocado, lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper for an authentic taste)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, add water and salt, then bring to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions, but be sure to check them one minute before you think they are done. Dreaming of al dente pasta? Turn off the heat at the right moment! Once cooked, drain and rinse them lightly with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a non-stick skillet, add a little olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the slices of red bell pepper and carrot, sautéing them for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly soft but still crunchy. This is the perfect moment to release the flavors! Once the vegetables are ready, set them aside.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the chopped green onions, capers, and jalapeño. Add the sautéed vegetables and mix well to combine all the ingredients. Now is the time to season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serving: Arrange the pasta salad on plates and for an extra flavor boost, generously add avocado dressing on top. This dressing not only brings a delicious creaminess but also a fresh note of lemon that will turn every bite into an explosion of flavors.

Serving suggestions: You can add some fresh basil or cilantro leaves on top for a vibrant look and an extra hint of flavor. Serve the pasta salad alongside a refreshing drink, such as mint tea or a fruit cocktail.

Possible variations:
- If you want to experiment, add diced zucchini, either raw or sautéed with the bell pepper.
- Replace the avocado dressing with a yogurt or sour cream-based dressing for a lighter option.
- You can also add protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to turn this salad into a complete meal.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is packed with vitamin-rich vegetables, such as bell pepper and carrot, which are excellent sources of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Whole grain pasta provides complex carbohydrates, while avocado is rich in healthy fats, essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, you can substitute pasta with rice or corn-based options, depending on your preferences.
- Is the taste of the avocado dressing too intense? You can adjust the amount of lemon to achieve a milder flavor.
- How long does the pasta salad keep in the fridge? It’s best to consume it the same day, but it can be stored for up to 2 days in the fridge, covered.

This pasta salad with avocado dressing is an excellent choice for a quick lunch or a light and healthy dinner. With every bite, you will feel the joy of cooking and enjoying fresh and healthy ingredients. Enjoy!