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Classic California Pasta Salad with Creamy Avocado-Lime Dressing

A white bowl filled with creamy california pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, bright green broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and red onion.
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This recipe provides a fresh, vibrant pasta salad perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a light lunch. The creamy dressing uses fresh avocado and lime for a bright California flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, small
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 large avocado, ripe
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 1 minute. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain color. Drain well.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, blanched broccoli, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, red onion, and thawed peas.
  4. Prepare the dressing: Combine the avocado, lime juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  5. Pour the avocado-lime dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend. This is a great make ahead pasta salad.

Notes

  • For a heartier meal, add 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken or grilled shrimp before chilling.
  • If you do not have a food processor for the dressing, mash the avocado thoroughly with a fork and whisk vigorously with the remaining liquid ingredients until as smooth as possible.
  • This is a refreshing side dish that tastes best when served cold.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/california-pasta-salad-recipe-avocado-lime/