pasta salad

Think traditional pasta salad is boring and you would never bring one to a BBQ or potluck–think again!  My Bacon, Tomato Pasta Salad with Avocado Dressing has tons of flavour and the dressing has avocados, lime and cilantro which give it an unexpected and fun kick!  Bring this to your next function and I bet you will get asked for the recipe!

pasta salad

 

HOMEGROWN TOMATOES + AVOCADO DRESSING = AMAZING FLAVOUR!!

pasta salad

Bacon, Tomato Pasta Salad with Avocado Dressing

Bacon, Tomato Pasta Salad with Avocado Dressing

Yield: Large salad serves 8-10

A creamy pasta salad with a flavourful avocado dressing with notes of lime, cilantro and cumin. Bring this to your next potluck and wait for the compliments to roll in! If you have any leftovers they will keep nicely for two days so they are perfect for work lunches.

Ingredients

  • 375 gram package of fusilli or rotini
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup red pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup cooked, crisp bacon, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup green onion, sliced thinly
  • 2-3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

DRESSING

  • 2 medium, ripe avocado
  • 1 fresh lime, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Epicure Guacamole Seasoning OR 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup buttermilk (don't have buttermilk--follow this tip to make your own)
  • salt to taste

Instructions

To make dressing

Process all dressing ingredients in a blender until smooth.

To make Salad

Cook pasta according to directions on the box. Drain and run under cold water.

Combine all ingredients with the dressing in a large bowl. Refrigerate 1-2 hours to let the flavours develop.

Store leftovers refrigerated up to two days.

ENJOY!

© Tennille Fraser
Category: Recipes

 

Looking for another amazing summer salad to bring to a potluck–try my Watermelon Feta Salad (on my blog Frugalista Mamas).