Bacon Avocado Caprese Pasta Salad Recipes

CAPRESE PASTA SALAD (WITH AVOCADO!)

Steps:

• Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to directions on package. Drain and let cool completely.
• In a food processor pulse 1 cup basil leaves, parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic until minced. Pour in olive oil and process until everything is finely minced. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add pasta and tomatoes to a salad bowl. Pour basil (pesto) mixture over pasta and tomatoes and toss to evenly coat.
• Add in avocados, mozzarella, basil (set some aside to garnish over top if desired), and pour in balsamic vinegar and toss just lightly.
• Serve immediately with more balsamic vinegar and parmesan if desired.

BACON AVOCADO CAPRESE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta as directed on box. Meanwhile, in large bowl, stir together seasoning mix (from salad box), oil, water and balsamic vinegar.
• Drain pasta; rinse with cold water. Shake to drain well.
• Add drained pasta, basil, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, arugula, bacon and avocado to balsamic vinegar mixture; toss to coat. Serve immediately.

PASTA SALAD WITH BACON AND AVOCADO

Steps:

• Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels and chop when cool enough to handle.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
• While pasta is cooking, place chopped avocado in a small bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss gently to coat.
• Rinse pasta under cool water and drain; transfer to a large bowl. Add chopped bacon, salad dressing, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, black olives, and tomatoes; stir to combine. Gently stir in avocados. Place in the refrigerator to chill, 8 hours to overnight.

AVOCADO & ARTICHOKE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; rinse with cold water., In a large bowl, combine pasta, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, avocado and cheese. In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients. Pour over pasta mixture; toss gently to combine. Refrigerate, covered, until serving.

BACON CAPRESE SALAD

Steps:

• Arrange cheese, tomatoes and spinach on a large serving platter; top with bacon, basil and green onions. Just before serving, drizzle with vinaigrette; sprinkle with salt and pepper.