Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mind-blowing fusion of flavors that will revolutionize your summer dining experience! This Strawberry Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that combines the creamy richness of avocado, the sweet burst of fresh strawberries, and the aromatic magic of pesto in one jaw-dropping dish. Perfect for those looking to impress at potlucks, picnics, or simply elevate their weeknight dinner game, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare your fresh ingredients. Wash and slice the strawberries into thin, uniform pieces. Carefully dice the ripe avocado into small, bite-sized cubes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down quickly. Shake off excess water thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared pesto, gently tossing to ensure each pasta piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add the sliced strawberries and diced avocado to the pasta. Fold the ingredients together gently to prevent mashing the avocado.
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until they are golden brown and fragrant.
- Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the pasta salad. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Tips
- • Use slightly underripe avocados for better texture and to prevent mushing when mixing • Toast pine nuts just until golden to enhance their nutty flavor without burning • Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent overcooking • Chill the salad for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to marry beautifully • For extra freshness, add some chopped fresh basil leaves just before serving • If preparing in advance, add avocado and strawberries just before serving to maintain their texture • Experiment with different types of pasta like fusilli or rotini to catch more sauce
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 398kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 4mg
