Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad

A refreshing and creamy pasta salad featuring a vibrant avocado pesto sauce tossed with pasta and colorful vegetables. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for picnics and barbecues.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta such as fusilli or penne
• 2 ripe avocados
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese optional

Instructions:

Cook pasta according to package instructions

Drain and set aside to cool

In a food processor, combine avocados, garlic, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper

Pulse until smooth

While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is well combined and creamy

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, avocado pesto, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and red onion

Toss gently to coat everything evenly

If desired, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before serving

Serve chilled or at room temperature

Enjoy!