Can I use store-bought pesto for Avocado Caprese Pasta Salad?

Yes, you can use store-bought pesto if you prefer a quicker option. For best results, use about 1/4 cup of pesto plus a few tablespoons of olive oil to keep the dressing smooth and vibrant. While it may not have the fresh flavor or bright color of homemade pesto, it will still add delicious basil and garlic notes to your salad.

What types of pasta work best in Avocado Caprese Pasta Salad?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, bow-tie (farfalle), or macaroni work well because they hold the dressing and mix easily with the other ingredients. Avoid very thin or delicate pasta, as it can get mushy and won’t carry the flavors as effectively in a salad.

How do I keep the avocado from browning in the pasta salad?

To prevent browning, toss the sliced or diced avocado with a little lemon or lime juice before mixing it into the salad. The citrus helps slow oxidation, keeping the avocado fresh and green longer. Also, add the avocado just before serving if you plan to make the salad in advance.

Can I make Avocado Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time?

You can prepare most of the salad a few hours ahead, but it’s best to add the avocado and fresh basil just before serving. This keeps the avocado from browning and the basil leaves from wilting. Store the salad covered in the refrigerator, and give it a gentle stir before serving.

Is Avocado Caprese Pasta Salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, this salad is naturally vegetarian since it includes pasta, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, avocado, and pesto made from plant-based ingredients. To keep it vegan, swap the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative and ensure the pesto contains no Parmesan or substitute it with a vegan version.

Avocado Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe With Creamy Fresh Twist

Name: Avocado Caprese Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 10 ounces mini penne pasta shells; – 1 pint halved cherry or grape tomatoes; – 2 small firm but ripe avocados, diced; – 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls; – 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves for the salad; – 1 cup slightly packed fresh basil leaves for making the pesto; – 2 tablespoons finely shredded parmesan cheese for the pesto; – 1 tablespoon pine nuts or chopped walnuts for the pesto; – 1 clove of garlic for the pesto; – 1/4 cup olive oil added slowly to the pesto mixture; – 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar plus extra for serving; – Salt and pepper to taste

Description

🍝 This Caprese Pasta Salad combines creamy avocado with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella for a vibrant, nutrient-rich meal.
🌿 Featuring homemade basil pesto, it’s a flavorful and colorful dish perfect for quick lunches or gatherings.

Ingredients

– 10 ounces mini penne pasta shells

– 1 pint halved cherry or grape tomatoes

– 2 small firm but ripe avocados, diced

– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls

– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves for the salad

– 1 cup slightly packed fresh basil leaves for making the pesto

– 2 tablespoons finely shredded parmesan cheese for the pesto

– 1 tablespoon pine nuts or chopped walnuts for the pesto

– 1 clove of garlic for the pesto

– 1/4 cup olive oil added slowly to the pesto mixture

– 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar plus extra for serving

– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1-First, cook 10 ounces of mini penne pasta shells in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and cool completely.

2-While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto by combining 1 cup basil leaves, 2 tablespoons finely shredded parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon pine nuts or chopped walnuts, and 1 clove of garlic in a food processor. Slowly add 1/4 cup olive oil until finely minced.

3-Dice 2 small firm but ripe avocados and halve 1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes.

4-In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the halved tomatoes and the prepared pesto until evenly coated.

5-Gently mix in the diced avocado, 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6-Serve immediately, adding extra balsamic vinegar and parmesan if desired. For best results, avoid preparing too far in advance to keep the tomatoes and avocados fresh.

Notes

🍅 Avoid making too far in advance to keep tomatoes and avocado fresh and prevent sogginess.
🌿 Use fresh basil for the best flavor in pesto and salad.
🍝 Substitute mini penne with other short pasta like bow-tie or macaroni if preferred.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 406 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 234 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 14 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg

Keywords: Caprese Pasta Salad, Avocado Salad, Fresh Ingredients, Basil Pesto