Looking for a refreshing dish that perfectly balances creamy, smoky, and savory flavors? Dive into our Grilled Avocado Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad! This vibrant Italian-inspired recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for your taste buds. With just 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, you can whip up a delicious meal that serves four – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a stunning addition to your next gathering. Trust us, once you taste the combination of grilled avocados, tangy sundried tomatoes, and fresh basil, you'll be craving this salad again and again!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and grilled
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the avocados. Cut ripe avocados in half and remove the pit. Brush the cut sides with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the avocado halves cut-side down on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear and the avocado is slightly softened.
- Remove the grilled avocados from the heat and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, dice the grilled avocados into bite-sized cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grilled avocado cubes, chopped sundried tomatoes, and freshly chopped basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar to suit your preference.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like fusilli or penne, to maximize flavor in every bite.
- Perfectly Grilled Avocados: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat for that perfect char. Keep an eye on them as they only need 2-3 minutes to achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use ripe avocados and fresh basil. The quality of your ingredients will elevate this dish significantly.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with the dressing! Add a pinch of garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Garnish for Presentation: Consider topping your salad with extra basil leaves or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a gourmet touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
