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Fresh No-Mayo Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Juicy Tomatoes

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A fresh, creamy avocado pasta salad without mayo, featuring juicy tomatoes and fresh herbs. Perfect for a light, wholesome summer meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) short pasta (fusilli or rotini recommended)
  • 2 medium ripe avocados, mashed
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: toasted pine nuts, baby spinach, freshly grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it off and stop the cooking process. Set aside to drain fully.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve and pit 2 ripe avocados. Scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl and mash with a fork until creamy but still a bit chunky.
  4. Add 1 clove minced garlic, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil to the mashed avocado. Stir to combine.
  5. Halve 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes and finely dice 1 small red onion. Soak onion in cold water for 5 minutes if desired to mellow the bite, then drain.
  6. Add the cooled pasta, chopped tomatoes, and red onion to the avocado dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in about 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves.
  8. Adjust seasoning as needed, adding extra lemon juice if desired.
  9. Chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and dressing to set slightly.
  10. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Use ripe but not overripe avocados for best creaminess. Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness. Add lemon juice to prevent avocado browning. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Optional add-ins include pine nuts, baby spinach, or Parmesan. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet. Avoid microwaving leftovers to prevent bitterness and mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: avocado pasta salad, no mayo pasta salad, fresh avocado salad, summer pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, vegan pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/fresh-no-mayo-avocado-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-juicy-tomatoes/