Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a dish that's not only delicious but also packed with creamy goodness? Look no further than this mouthwatering Creamy Avocado Macaroni Salad! Perfect for summer picnics or a quick weeknight dinner, this vibrant salad combines the rich flavors of ripe avocado with the satisfying bite of elbow macaroni. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can whip up a dish that will impress your family and friends, leaving them begging for seconds. Dive into this recipe to discover how to create a salad that’s not just a side, but a star on your dining table!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, drain and rinse the macaroni under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
- Cut the ripe avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl.
- Mash the avocado with a fork until smooth and creamy.
- Add Greek yogurt and lemon juice to the mashed avocado, whisking until well combined and creating a smooth sauce.
- Dice the red onion into small, uniform pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the avocado sauce, gently folding to coat all pasta evenly.
- Fold in the diced red onion and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing gently to distribute seasonings.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal texture, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the creamy sauce.
- Cool It Down: After cooking, don’t forget to rinse the macaroni under cold water. This halts the cooking process and helps keep your salad fresh and light.
- Avocado Magic: Choose a ripe avocado for the best flavor and creaminess. A perfectly ripe avocado will mash easily and blend beautifully into the dressing.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a splash of hot sauce to the avocado sauce. This can elevate the overall flavor profile of your salad.
- Chill Out: Allowing the salad to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Garnish with Style: Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
