Creamy Avocado Basil Pasta Salad
This Creamy Avocado Basil Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of rich flavors and fresh ingredients, perfect for any occasion. The creamy texture of the ripe avocados blends harmoniously with the aromatic basil and crispy bacon, offering a contemporary twist on traditional pasta dishes. The added pecorino romano cheese delivers a subtle, savory finish, making this dish versatile enough to be enjoyed as a hearty salad or a standalone meal. Inviting and vibrant, it's a culinary experience that embraces both taste and health.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie pasta or wagon wheel macaroni
8 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
avocados
2 medium (halved, seeded, peeled and coarsely chopped)
bacon
6 slices (crisp cooked, drained and crumbled)
fresh basil
2/3 cup (chopped)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons
olive oil
1 tablespoon
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
salt
1/8 teaspoon
pecorino romano cheese
1/2 cup (finely shredded)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until it is al dente, following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2
As the pasta cooks, prepare the rest of the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped avocados, crispy bacon, fresh basil, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and salt.
3
While the pasta is still warm, add it to the avocado mixture and gently toss until all the ingredients are well combined, ensuring the pasta is coated with the creamy avocado blend.
4
Transfer the tossed pasta to a serving bowl, adjusting the seasoning if necessary.
5
Finish by sprinkling the finely shredded pecorino romano cheese over the top to add a savory depth to the dish.
6
Serve immediately as a warm dish or allow it to cool in the refrigerator if you prefer a chilled pasta salad experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Avocado Basil Pasta Salad?
It is a contemporary pasta dish featuring a creamy blend of ripe avocados, aromatic basil, and crispy bacon.
What types of pasta work best for this recipe?
Bow tie pasta or wagon wheel macaroni are recommended for this recipe.
How many avocados do I need?
You will need 2 medium avocados that are halved, seeded, peeled, and coarsely chopped.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The 6 slices of bacon should be crisp cooked, drained, and crumbled before being added to the salad.
Can I serve this dish warm?
Yes, you can serve it immediately as a warm dish right after tossing the ingredients together.
Can this pasta salad be served chilled?
Absolutely, you can allow it to cool in the refrigerator if you prefer a chilled pasta salad experience.
What kind of cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely shredded pecorino romano cheese.
How much fresh basil is required?
You will need 2/3 cup of chopped fresh basil.
What is the purpose of lemon juice in this recipe?
Lemon juice adds flavor and helps maintain the vibrant color of the avocados.
How much garlic should I add?
The recipe requires 3 cloves of minced garlic.
What kind of oil is used for the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Is this recipe considered a main dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a One Dish Meal and is versatile enough to be a standalone meal.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What are the main seasonings used?
The salad is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
How do I ensure the pasta is well coated?
Add the pasta to the avocado mixture while it is still warm and gently toss until all ingredients are combined.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer gathering?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer salad and is perfect for various occasions.
Is this an Italian-inspired dish?
Yes, with ingredients like basil, olive oil, and pecorino romano, it has an Italian influence.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, it is tagged as both quick and easy to prepare.
What is the first step in preparing this dish?
The first step is cooking the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until it is al dente.
What happens to the avocados when tossed with warm pasta?
The avocados blend with the other ingredients to create a creamy texture that coats the pasta.
Can I substitute the pecorino romano cheese?
While pecorino romano is recommended for its savory depth, you could use parmesan as a substitute.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in this Creamy Avocado Basil Pasta Salad.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the mixing bowl.
Is this a healthy pasta option?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy, featuring fresh ingredients and healthy fats from avocado and olive oil.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
The instructions suggest draining the pasta and adding it to the mixture while still warm, so rinsing is not necessary.
How is the bacon added to the salad?
The bacon is crumbled and combined in a large mixing bowl with the other dressing ingredients.
What size should the avocado pieces be?
The avocados should be coarsely chopped.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, after transferring the tossed pasta to a serving bowl, you should adjust the seasoning if necessary.
What kind of texture does this pasta salad have?
It has a creamy texture from the avocados contrasted by the crispy bacon and firm pasta.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Based on the ingredients listed, there is no added sugar in this recipe.