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Classic Pasta Salad with a Twist of Avocado and Basil

clock-icon45 minutes
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Pixicook editorial team

A refreshing pasta salad that combines the traditional flavors with the creamy addition of avocado and the aromatic freshness of basil.

Ingredients for Classic Pasta Salad with a Twist of Avocado and Basil

units in
USchevron
serves
6 peoplechevron

Shallots, minced

tablespoons

Lemon Juice, fresh

tablespoons

Balsamic vinegar

tablespoons

Fine Sea Salt

teaspoons

Black Pepper, freshly ground

teaspoons

Short Pasta

0 lb

Cherry Tomatoes, halved

0 pint

Cucumber, sliced

cups

Fresh Mozzarella, cut into bite-size cubes

0 lb

Avocado, diced

each

Fresh Basil, thinly sliced

cups

How to Make Classic Pasta Salad with a Twist of Avocado and Basil

1. Dressing the Pasta Salad

In a large bowl, whisk together the minced shallot, fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, fine sea salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes.

2. Pasta Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the short pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and let it release excess steam.

3. Marrying Pasta and Dressing

Pour the warm pasta into the bowl with the dressing and toss gently to coat. Allow the pasta to cool in the dressing.

4. Avocado Accents

Toss diced avocado with fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fine sea salt to prevent browning.

5. Assembling the Salad

To the cooled pasta, add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, cubed fresh mozzarella, then gently fold in the avocado and thinly sliced fresh basil.

6. Serving with Flair

Drizzle the salad with extra-virgin olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

Pitfalls and tips

Perfectly Cooked Pasta

Use high-quality pasta like fusilli or rotini, cook just beyond al dente, immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.

Perfectly Cooked Pasta

Use high-quality pasta like fusilli or rotini, and cook just beyond al dente. Immediately rinse under cold water after draining to prevent clumping and maintain texture.

Balanced Dressing

Create a well-emulsified dressing with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard or honey, garlic, and a hint of chili flake.

Balanced Dressing

Create an emulsified dressing with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard or honey, garlic, and a hint of chili flake for complexity.

Season As You Go

Generously salt the pasta water and toss the cooled pasta with olive oil and a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.

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