Pasta, California Avocado and Rotini Salad

California Avocado and Rotini Salad Recipe - Delicious Pasta Salad from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

This Pasta, California Avocado and Rotini Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. The combination of rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and creamy California avocado creates a delicious and satisfying salad that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic pasta salad, incorporating the creamy texture and rich flavor of California avocados. Avocados have been a staple in California cuisine for decades, and their versatility makes them a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes. By adding avocado to a traditional pasta salad, this recipe takes on a new level of creaminess and flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) rotini, cooked and cooled
0.25 cup carrots, peeled, sliced thin and blanched
0.5 cup broccoli florets, blanched
0.25 cup medium mushrooms, sliced
0.25 cup each red and yellow bell peppers, diced
1 tbsp fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
0.25 cup prepared italian dressing
0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
0.5 california avocado, seeded, peeled and cubed

How to prepare

In a large salad bowl, combine rotini, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, and basil leaves.
In a medium bowl, combine Italian dressing and balsamic vinegar.
Toss the salad ingredients with 1.4 cup of the dressing mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 4–6 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
Just before serving, toss avocados and the remaining dressing with the pasta salad. Serve.
Preparation time: 30 minutes. Refrigeration time: 4–6 hours.

Variations

Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Swap out the rotini for another type of pasta, such as penne or bowtie.
Add cherry tomatoes or olives for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to blanch the vegetables before adding them to the salad to ensure they are tender but still crisp.

- Refrigerate the salad for at least 4-6 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Toss the avocado with the dressing just before serving to prevent it from browning.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is perfect on its own as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to blanch the vegetables before adding them to the salad to ensure they are tender but still crisp.

- Toss the avocado with the dressing just before serving to prevent it from browning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta you prefer in place of rotini.

- Substitute any of your favorite vegetables for the ones listed in the recipe.

- Use a different type of dressing if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving. Just be sure to toss the avocado with the dressing just before serving to prevent it from browning.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This Pasta, California Avocado and Rotini Salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for 1-2 minutes or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 6g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 25% DV

- Vitamin C: 60% DV

- Calcium: 4% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta.

Summary

This Pasta, California Avocado and Rotini Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It is a great source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients that will keep you feeling satisfied and energized.

Summary

This Pasta, California Avocado and Rotini Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. Packed with fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting a friend in California. She invited me over for a barbecue and as I walked into her backyard, I was greeted by the most incredible aroma. On the table was a vibrant and colorful pasta salad that immediately caught my eye.

I asked my friend for the recipe and she gladly shared it with me. She explained that it was a California Avocado and Rotini Salad, a dish that she had learned from her grandmother who had passed it down through the generations. I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures – creamy avocados, crunchy vegetables, tangy dressing, and of course, the satisfying bite of rotini pasta.

As I watched my friend prepare the salad, I realized that the beauty of this dish lay in its simplicity. It was a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, a true representation of California cuisine. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself.

When I returned home, I set out to recreate the California Avocado and Rotini Salad. I gathered all the necessary ingredients – ripe avocados, colorful bell peppers, sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy red onions, and of course, the star of the show, rotini pasta. I carefully diced and chopped the vegetables, cooked the pasta to al dente perfection, and tossed everything together with a zesty vinaigrette.

The moment I took my first bite, I was transported back to my friend's backyard in California. The flavors burst in my mouth – the creamy avocados, the crunch of the vegetables, the tangy dressing – it was a symphony of tastes and textures. I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my kitchen.

Over the years, I have made the California Avocado and Rotini Salad countless times. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that warm summer day in California and the joy of discovering a new recipe.

I have also added my own twist to the dish, experimenting with different ingredients and variations. Sometimes I add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal, or I swap out the rotini pasta for spiralized zucchini for a lighter option. No matter how I choose to make it, the California Avocado and Rotini Salad always brings a smile to my face and a sense of nostalgia.

As I look back on my culinary journey, I am grateful for the people and places that have inspired me to cook. From my friend in California to my own grandmother who taught me the joy of cooking, I have learned that recipes are more than just a list of ingredients – they are a reflection of our memories and experiences.

So, the next time you find yourself captivated by a recipe, I urge you to give it a try. You never know where it may lead you – perhaps to a warm summer day in California, surrounded by friends and family, enjoying a delicious bowl of California Avocado and Rotini Salad.