Warm Tomato & Avocado Pasta Salad

This warm pasta salad is simple, fresh and packed with flavor. Sweet ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado and tender pasta are tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing that lightly coats every bite. Perfect as a quick lunch, an easy side dish or a light summer dinner.

Ingredients

Serves 4

Dressing

3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp sugar
1–2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Salad

6–8 ripe tomatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ small leek, thinly sliced
1–2 avocados, diced
12 oz (340 g) pasta of choice

Instructions

In a large serving bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, sugar and garlic until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the tomatoes, leek, and avocado to the bowl. Toss gently to coat with the dressing.
Let the vegetables marinate while the pasta cooks.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
Add the hot pasta directly to the bowl and toss until everything is evenly combined.
Serve immediately while still slightly warm.

Notes & Pro Tips

Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes work especially well in this recipe.
Use ripe but firm avocados so they hold their shape when tossed.
The warm pasta slightly softens the vegetables and helps absorb the dressing, creating extra flavor.
Best enjoyed fresh, shortly after preparing.

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