Looking for a fresh twist on pasta salad? My BLT Avocado Pasta Salad combines creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crispy turkey bacon for a quick and tasty meal. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time. Whether it’s a side for dinner or a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This salad is packed with ripe avocado and juicy cherry tomatoes, making it a refreshing dish perfect for warm days.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious pasta salad for any meal or gathering.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize it by adding other ingredients like grilled chicken or different vegetables based on your preferences.
- Flavorful Dressing: The simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing enhances the flavors of the fresh ingredients beautifully.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz fusilli or rotini pasta
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 slices of cooked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
This BLT avocado pasta salad is a fun mix of flavors. First, we need the pasta. I prefer fusilli or rotini; they hold the dressing well. Cook it just right until it's al dente. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy.
Next, grab a ripe avocado. Dice it into nice, chunky pieces. This will add creaminess to the salad. Cherry tomatoes bring a sweet pop. Halve them for easy bites.
Turkey bacon adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. Chop it into bits for easy mixing. Fresh basil gives a bright touch. Tear the leaves for a nice look and flavor. Finally, red onion adds a sharp bite that balances the creaminess.
For the dressing, mix olive oil and lemon juice. This combo adds a zesty kick. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. If you want a little extra, toss in some feta cheese for a salty finish.
These ingredients come together to create a colorful, tasty dish that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
3. Add 8 oz of fusilli or rotini pasta.
4. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
5. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water.
Preparing the Dressing
1. In a small bowl, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Whisk the mixture until well combined.
Combining and Dressing the Salad
1. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the remaining ingredients.
2. Add 1 ripe diced avocado, 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, and 4 slices of chopped turkey bacon.
3. Toss in 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion and 1/2 cup of torn fresh basil leaves.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss.
5. If you want, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top.
6. For the best flavor, chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Pasta Salad
To get the best texture for your pasta, cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm when bitten. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, making your salad less enjoyable. Rinse the pasta with cold water right after cooking. This cools it down and stops the cooking process. It also helps keep the pasta from sticking together.
Serving Suggestions
Make your salad look as good as it tastes! Serve it in a large bowl, drizzling some extra olive oil on top. Add more fresh basil leaves for a bright touch. This makes the dish look fresh and inviting. You can pair this salad with grilled chicken or serve it as a side to a summer barbecue. The flavors blend well with many dishes.
Health Considerations
This salad serves about four people. Each serving gives you a good mix of nutrition. You get healthy fats from the avocado and protein from the turkey bacon. If you need substitutions, try using whole wheat pasta for added fiber. For a vegan option, skip the bacon and feta cheese. You can also add beans for more protein.
Pro Tips
- Use Ripe Avocado: Ensure your avocado is perfectly ripe for the best creaminess and flavor in your salad.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to add other greens like arugula or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Cook Bacon Crispy: Cook the turkey bacon until it’s crispy for added texture and flavor in the salad.
Variations
Alternate Ingredients
You can switch up the pasta type in this salad. Fusilli or rotini works great, but penne or farfalle also tastes good. Each shape holds the dressing and adds fun to the dish.
You might want to change the protein too. If you prefer regular bacon, use it instead of turkey bacon. It gives a richer flavor. You can also try crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding more veggies can make the salad even better. Try diced cucumbers for crunch or bell peppers for sweetness. You could also mix in some corn for a pop of color and taste.
Spices can really boost flavors. A pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika adds depth. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also brighten the dish.
Dressings
You can use different dressings to change the taste. Balsamic vinaigrette is a great choice if you want a tangy kick. Creamy dressings, like ranch, can give a rich flavor.
Making your own dressing is simple. Just mix olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite spices. Store-bought options are quick and easy but may contain preservatives.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your BLT avocado pasta salad fresh, follow these tips:
- Place leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use a glass container or BPA-free plastic.
- Store in the fridge right after serving.
These methods help maintain flavor and texture, so your salad stays tasty for days.
Reheating Tips
You might want to enjoy this salad cold, but if you need to reheat it, do this:
- Use a microwave on low power for short bursts.
- Stir often to heat evenly.
Serving it cold is great for summer. However, if you prefer it warm, just be gentle when reheating.
Shelf Life
Your salad can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Keep an eye out for these signs that it has gone bad:
- A sour smell or off odor.
- Discoloration of the vegetables.
- A slimy texture, especially on the avocado.
If you notice any of these signs, it's best to toss it out.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, you can use regular bacon. It adds a rich, smoky flavor. However, regular bacon has more fat than turkey bacon. If you want a lighter option, stick with turkey bacon. The taste will be different, but both are tasty in this salad.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The recipe uses fusilli or rotini pasta, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, choose pasta made from rice or quinoa. There are many good gluten-free options in stores today. Just check the labels to be sure.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this salad in advance. Just make sure to keep the avocado from browning. To do this, add lemon juice to the avocado right away. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. The salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
This blog post covered the tasty BLT avocado pasta salad. You learned about key ingredients and how to make it step by step. I shared tips for perfecting your salad and ways to vary it. I also included storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh.
In the end, this salad is not just delicious but also healthy. Enjoy making it for yourself and your friends!
