Zesty Avocado Macaroni Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a vibrant twist on a classic favorite! This Zesty Avocado Macaroni Salad is all about fresh flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a refreshing side dish, it's a must-try for any avocado lover.

Ingredients for Zesty Avocado Macaroni Salad

The star of this dish is definitely the avocado. Its creamy texture binds everything together, creating a silky smooth salad without any need for mayonnaise. The cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color, while the red onion brings a nice sharpness to balance the creamy elements. Fresh cilantro adds a fragrant, herbaceous note that complements the other ingredients beautifully. A squeeze of lime juice not only brightens the flavors but also prevents the avocado from browning. A drizzle of olive oil helps to meld everything together, and a dash of chili powder gives a subtle kick that keeps things interesting. Finally, a sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances all these wonderful flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use ripe but firm avocados to ensure they hold their shape in the salad.
  • If you're preparing in advance, add the avocados just before serving to keep them fresh.
  • For added protein, toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp.
  • A squeeze of lemon can be used if lime is not available, but lime is preferred for its distinct flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, particularly chicken or fish, making it a fantastic side dish for a summer barbecue. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a hearty grain dish like quinoa or couscous. The fresh, zesty flavors also make it a delightful companion to Mexican-inspired dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just add the avocado closer to serving time to prevent browning.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be aware that the avocados might brown slightly, but the salad will still be tasty.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle work well, too.

Zesty Avocado Macaroni Salad Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, you'll want to get your pasta going. Cook 8 oz of elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes, but keep a close eye on it. Once it's cooked, drain the pasta and give it a good rinse under cold water. This not only cools it down quickly for the salad but also stops the cooking process, keeping it perfectly al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, you can prep the rest of the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine your diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and the aromatic cilantro. This combo is a feast for the eyes and nose, bursting with color and fresh scents.

Next, dress the salad. Add the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper to the bowl. Gently toss everything together, taking care not to mash the avocados too much. You want them to remain in nice, chunky pieces.

Once your pasta is cooled and drained, add it to the bowl with the avocado mixture. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the avocado mixture. Avoid stirring too vigorously to keep the avocado pieces intact.

Finally, cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop, making every bite deliciously cohesive.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh and tangy lime juice keeps the flavors bright and exciting.
  • Creamy avocado provides a rich texture without the need for heavy mayo.
  • The combination of fresh veggies and pasta is both satisfying and light.
  • It's quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
3. Add lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the avocado mixture and gently toss to combine.
4. Add cooked macaroni to the bowl and gently fold until all ingredients are well mixed.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

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