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Fresh Avocado Caprese Pasta Salad with Pesto

Fresh Avocado Caprese Pasta Salad - featured image
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A creamy, fresh, and light pasta salad combining ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and pesto. Perfect for quick summer meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
  • 2 medium ripe avocados, diced
  • 1 pint (about 250 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup (125 ml) pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. While pasta is cooking, halve 1 pint (250 g) of cherry tomatoes, dice 2 ripe avocados, and tear 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop about 1 cup of fresh basil leaves.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup (125 ml) pesto, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Whisk together until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, avocado, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon—be careful not to mash the avocado.
  5. Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent clumping. Toss avocado with lemon juice to prevent browning. Use gentle folding to keep avocado pieces intact. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; stir in fresh lemon juice before serving to refresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: avocado, caprese, pasta salad, pesto, summer recipe, fresh, easy, quick, vegetarian

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/fresh-avocado-caprese-pasta-salad-with-pesto-easy-recipe-for-summer/