Servings: 2
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 Avocado
- 2 Tomatoes, diced (3/4 inch)
- 2 cups Shell macaroni, cooked
- 1/4 cup Red onion, sliced
- 1 can Water-packed albacore tuna, drained
- 3 tablespoons Bottled vinegar-based dressing
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Cut the avocado half into large 3/4-inch dices.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced avocado, tomatoes, cooked shell macaroni, sliced red onion, and drained albacore tuna.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together.
- Drizzle the bottled vinegar-based dressing over the salad.
- Toss the salad again to evenly coat the ingredients with the dressing.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing and nutritious meal or side dish. Enjoy!
Here are some variations of the avocado tuna pasta salad recipe:
1. ADD FRESH HERBS: Mix in fresh herbs like chopped basil, cilantro, or parsley to add a burst of flavor and freshness to the salad.
2. SUBSTITUTE AVOCADO: If you don’t have avocado or prefer a different texture, you can use diced cucumber, steamed asparagus, or artichoke hearts instead.
3. CHANGE THE PASTA: Experiment with different types of pasta such as penne, farfalle (bowtie), or rotini instead of shell macaroni for a different presentation.
4. SPICE IT UP: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos for some heat and spice.
5. MIX IN FRUITS: For a sweet twist, add some diced mango, pineapple, or apple chunks to the salad.
6. VEGAN OPTION: Omit the tuna and add chickpeas or white beans for a vegan-friendly version.
7. DRESSING VARIATIONS: Instead of vinegar-based dressing, you can try lemon or lime juice with olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, or a creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt or mayo.
8. CHEESE ADDITION: If you enjoy cheese, crumble some feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar on top of the salad for extra richness.
9. NUTS AND SEEDS: Add some toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
10. PICKLES OR OLIVES: For a tangy touch, mix in chopped pickles or black olives.
11. CREAMY AVOCADO DRESSING: Instead of using bottled dressing, make a creamy avocado dressing by blending together ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of honey for sweetness.
12. ADD CRUNCHY VEGETABLES: Mix in crunchy vegetables like diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or jicama for added texture and color.
13. ITALIAN-STYLE: Create an Italian-inspired version by adding sliced black olives, roasted red peppers, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
14. ASIAN FLAVOR: For an Asian twist, toss the salad with a soy-sesame dressing and add edamame, sliced snow peas, and toasted sesame seeds.
15. MEXICAN FIESTA: Turn it into a Mexican-inspired salad by adding black beans, diced jalapenos, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
16. SOUTHWESTERN STYLE: Mix in some corn kernels, diced red onions, and chopped cilantro for a Southwestern flavor profile.
17. GREEK-INSPIRED: Add chopped cucumber, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to create a Greek-inspired pasta salad.
18. TROPICAL FLAIR: Incorporate tropical fruits like diced mango, papaya, and kiwi for a refreshing and exotic twist.
19. CURRY TUNA PASTA SALAD: Mix in curry powder, golden raisins, toasted almonds, and chopped scallions for an aromatic and flavorful curry pasta salad.
20. BACON ADDITION: For a savory twist, crumble cooked bacon over the salad for an extra layer of flavor.
