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Avocado and Tomato Pasta Salad

Avocado and Tomato Pasta Salad

  • Author: Marcus
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Avocado and Tomato Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and creamy dish bursting with flavor and texture. It combines ripe avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta, enhanced with plant-based cheese, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing. It is an easy, nutritious, and customizable salad perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 2 cups penne or rotini pasta (gluten-free if desired)
  • 1 ripe avocado, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Protein and Cheese

  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
  • 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (crumbled or cubed)

Dressing

  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar dressing (natural)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down, ensuring the pasta holds its shape and texture.
  2. Prepare the Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, chop ripe avocado and halve the cherry tomatoes. Dice the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces, chop the fresh basil finely, and crumble or cube the plant-based cheese.
  3. Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Set aside to cool slightly before adding it to the salad.
  4. Make the Dressing: Whisk together apple cider vinegar dressing (natural), extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic (natural), salt, and pepper until well combined.
  5. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta with chopped avocado, cherry tomatoes, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and fresh basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.

Notes

  • Use ripe avocados that are soft but not mushy for the best creamy texture.
  • Gently toss ingredients to avoid turning the avocado to mush.
  • Chill the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving for optimal flavor melding.
  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent sogginess and ensure it holds dressing well.
  • Cook bacon in small batches to achieve extra crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No Baking
  • Cuisine: International

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: avocado salad, tomato pasta salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, apple cider vinegar dressing, healthy pasta salad, gluten free pasta salad

Find it online: https://tastysoulkitchen.com/avocado-and-tomato-pasta-salad/