A delicious combination of avocado and strawberry makes this macaroni salad recipe the perfect summer meal and great for kids!
If you are thinking “Strawberries? In a pasta salad? Has she completely lost her mind?!!” just trust me, this isn’t as crazy as you might think! I’ve been seeing strawberries in salads all over the place this summer and I thought it was high time that I tried it out for myself.
And the result? Well I was super impressed! Yes the strawberries are sweet but somehow it just seems to work, especially when contrasted against the acidity of the lime juice in the dressing. And the kids being sweet fiends absolutely loved it!
My kids are not the biggest salad lovers at the best of times so I decided to make a pasta salad and incorporate some veggies in there along with the strawberries. I used sweetcorn and peppers as their sweetness goes well with strawberries and some avocado too, cause it’s just so darn nutritious!
I made a very light dressing with olive oil and lime juice but you can easily leave this out if you think your kids wouldn’t like it.
This recipe is definitely a new favourite addition to my summer meal planning menus. It’s also great for a picnic or to take to a BBQ. If you are thinking of making this salad advance would be to toss the chopped avocado in a little lime juice to stop it from browning.
Looking for more easy summer meals? Try one of these:
RICE NOODLE SALAD CAPRESE COUS COUS CHICKEN PASTA SALAD TORTELLINI SKEWERS
Avocado & Strawberry Macaroni Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 3 mins- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Total Time: 11 minutes
Yield: 4 1x
Category: Main Meal
Cuisine: European
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
A delicious combination of avocado and strawberry makes this macaroni salad the perfect summer meal and great for kids!
Ingredients
- Pasta Salad:
- 220g / 2 cups macaroni or other pasta
- 1 avocado
- 1 green pepper
- 10 – 15 strawberries
- 4 tbsp sweetcorn
- Dressing:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- juice of 1/2 lime
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a pan of boiling water for 8 -10 minutes or accordingly to the package instructions.
- When cooked, drain away the water and, keeping the pasta in the colander or strainer, run under cold water until it has cooled.
- Prepare the remaining ingredients by chopping the avocado, pepper and strawberries into small pieces. Mix together with the pasta in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Add the olive oil and lime juice to a jar with a lid and shake until well combined. You can pour this directly onto the pasta salad or serve it on the side instead.
Payton Ward says
March 5, 2018 at 1:53 pmIt just works! Will be making this a LOT for the kids over the summer.
★★★★★
Honest mum says
August 30, 2015 at 9:03 amOh wow, this looks delicious and I adore the presentation, such fresh flavours. Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays
★★★★★
Ciara Attwell says
September 7, 2015 at 8:50 pmThanks Vikki!
Amber Harding says
August 19, 2015 at 8:01 amThese look majestic, Ciara! What’s more, the colors in the salad visually combine in a splendid way
★★★★★
Ciara Attwell says
August 19, 2015 at 8:41 amThank you Amber! I don’t think any of my recipes have been called majestic before, I’m chuffed!!
Roz - The foodie Couple Blog says
August 13, 2015 at 7:04 pmWow! I’ve certainly seen strawberries being used as savoury but i’d not have thought of using like this – great idea though! Your picture is fabulous!
Ciara Attwell says
August 18, 2015 at 8:27 amThank you Roz!
Kate | The Veg Space says
August 13, 2015 at 6:50 pmWow – haven’t ever thought of strawberry in a pasta salad but this looks amazing! Love your photos too.
Ciara Attwell says
August 18, 2015 at 8:27 amThanks Kate, so glad I’ve found this combination!
Claire @foodiequine says
August 13, 2015 at 3:35 pmI can imagine that these flavours and textures work very well together. Such vibrant colours too.
Ciara Attwell says
August 18, 2015 at 8:28 amThey really do Claire. Its delicious!