Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper and Feta Cheese

Penne Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper and Feta Cheese Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper and Feta Cheese

Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. This recipe for Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper, and Feta Cheese is a refreshing and flavorful twist on the classic pasta salad.

History

Pasta salad has been a popular dish for many years, with variations found in cuisines around the world. This particular recipe combines the creamy texture of avocado, the crunch of bell peppers, and the tangy flavor of feta cheese to create a unique and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

36 oz (1 kg) penne (or other short, tube pasta)
2 cups vinaigrette
3 cups diced red bell pepper
3 cups diced green bell pepper
3 cups feta cheese
2 cups chopped red onion
1.5 cups black olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
1.5 tbsp chopped garlic
0.75 cup chopped parsley
4 lb (1.81 kg) california avocados

How to prepare

Cook the pasta in salted, boiling water until it is just tender, which should take about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta well.
While the pasta is still warm, toss it with the vinaigrette and let it cool.
Fold in the remaining ingredients.
Plate 1-0.5 cup of the salad as an entrée or 0.5 cup as a side dish.

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Substitute different colored bell peppers for a more colorful presentation.
Use different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta just until it is tender, as overcooking can result in a mushy texture.

- Tossing the warm pasta with the vinaigrette helps the flavors to absorb into the pasta.

- For best results, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

This Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper, and Feta Cheese can be served as a light and refreshing main course or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.

- Toss the warm pasta with the vinaigrette to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have feta cheese, you can substitute goat cheese or mozzarella.

- Feel free to add or omit any vegetables based on your personal preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

This Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper, and Feta Cheese can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper, and Feta Cheese with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper, and Feta Cheese pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper, and Feta Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper, and Feta Cheese contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper, and Feta Cheese contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper, and Feta Cheese contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper, and Feta Cheese contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper, and Feta Cheese is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and tree nuts (avocado). It may also contain gluten depending on the type of pasta used.

Summary

This Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper, and Feta Cheese is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper, and Feta Cheese is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. With its creamy avocado, crunchy bell peppers, and tangy feta cheese, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was at a potluck party hosted by my dear friend, Margaret. As soon as I took a bite of her Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper and Feta Cheese, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Margaret was kind enough to share the recipe with me, and I eagerly took notes as she told me all the ingredients and steps. She explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who was an amazing cook. I could see the passion and love that went into making this dish, and I knew I had to carry on the tradition.

I went home that night and immediately started gathering the ingredients needed for the pasta salad. I had always loved cooking, but this dish felt different. It felt personal, like a piece of Margaret's family history that she had passed down to me.

As I chopped the fresh avocado and colorful bell peppers, I couldn't help but think about all the meals I had shared with Margaret over the years. She had always been there for me, teaching me new recipes and inspiring me to try new things in the kitchen.

The pasta cooked to perfection, and I tossed it with the creamy avocado, crunchy bell peppers, and tangy feta cheese. The colors and flavors melded together beautifully, creating a dish that was as delicious as it was beautiful.

I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the taste of Margaret's family recipe. It was like a hug from a loved one, comforting and familiar. I knew that this pasta salad would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would pass down to my own children and grandchildren one day.

Over the years, I have made this Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper and Feta Cheese countless times. Each time, I think of Margaret and her grandmother, grateful for the gift of this recipe that they shared with me.

I have added my own touches to the dish, experimenting with different herbs and seasonings to make it my own. But the heart of the recipe remains the same, a tribute to the love and tradition that has been passed down through generations.

As I serve this pasta salad to my family and friends, I see the same joy and satisfaction in their faces that I felt the first time I tasted it. It is a simple dish, but one that is filled with memories and love.

I am grateful for the friendships that have brought me new recipes and culinary inspiration over the years. Margaret's Pasta Salad with Avocado, Bell Pepper and Feta Cheese will always have a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other.

And so, I continue to cook and share this dish with those I love, hoping to inspire them as Margaret inspired me. For food is more than just sustenance – it is a way to honor our traditions, celebrate our friendships, and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.