Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta salad into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds! This Bacon Pasta Salad with Avocado Crema Sauce is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that combines the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, the silky smoothness of avocado crema, and a zesty lime kick that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish proves that gourmet doesn't have to mean complicated.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or rotini)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli or rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the bacon by cooking it in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- For the avocado crema sauce, cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor. Add Greek yogurt, lime juice, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. Shake off excess water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion.
- Pour the avocado crema sauce over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. This step is optional but recommended for enhanced taste.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and garnish with additional crumbled bacon or fresh herbs if desired. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta prevents a mushy texture when mixed with the creamy sauce.
- Cool pasta thoroughly: Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and helps the pasta absorb the avocado crema better.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes allows flavors to meld and intensify.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ripe avocados and fresh lime juice make a huge difference in the sauce's flavor.
- Customize your mix-ins: Feel free to add diced cucumber, chopped cilantro, or swap red onion for green onions.
- Make ahead friendly: This salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- For extra crunch, consider toasting some pine nuts or adding crispy breadcrumbs as a garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
