Name: California Avocado Lime Spaghetti Salad With Pepita Crunch
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Californian
Ingredients: Spaghetti (250g / 8oz): The base of the salad, providing a wonderful texture.; Cherry Tomatoes (200g / 1 cup, halved): Adds sweetness and juiciness.; Cucumber (150g / 1 cup, diced): Provides a cool, crisp contrast.; Red Onion (50g / 1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Adds sharpness and color.; Black Olives (50g / 1/4 cup, sliced): Contributes a salty, briny flavor.; Fresh Cilantro (30g / 2 tbsp, chopped): Brings a bright, herbaceous note.; Pepitas (Toasted, 30g / 2 tbsp): Provides a satisfying crunch.; Ripe Avocado (≈150g, 1 medium): Adds creaminess and healthy fats.; Fresh Lime Juice (30ml / 2 tbsp): Essential for a vibrant, zesty flavor.; Extra Virgin Olive Oil (30ml / 2 tbsp): Provides a fruity, flavorful base.; Honey or Agave Syrup (15ml / 1 tbsp): Balances the acidity of the lime juice.; Dijon Mustard (5g / 1 tsp): Adds tang and helps emulsify the dressing.; Garlic (1 clove, minced): Provides savory depth.; Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all flavors.; Freshly Ground Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds subtle spice.

Description

This California Avocado Lime Spaghetti Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for warm weather gatherings. It combines spaghetti, avocado, lime, and pepitas for a vibrant and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Spaghetti (250g / 8oz): The base of the salad, providing a wonderful texture.
Cherry Tomatoes (200g / 1 cup, halved): Adds sweetness and juiciness.
Cucumber (150g / 1 cup, diced): Provides a cool, crisp contrast.
Red Onion (50g / 1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Adds sharpness and color.
Black Olives (50g / 1/4 cup, sliced): Contributes a salty, briny flavor.
Fresh Cilantro (30g / 2 tbsp, chopped): Brings a bright, herbaceous note.
Pepitas (Toasted, 30g / 2 tbsp): Provides a satisfying crunch.
Ripe Avocado (≈150g, 1 medium): Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
Fresh Lime Juice (30ml / 2 tbsp): Essential for a vibrant, zesty flavor.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (30ml / 2 tbsp): Provides a fruity, flavorful base.
Honey or Agave Syrup (15ml / 1 tbsp): Balances the acidity of the lime juice.
Dijon Mustard (5g / 1 tsp): Adds tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Provides savory depth.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all flavors.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds subtle spice.

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Instructions

Cook Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
Prep Vegetables: Halve tomatoes, dice cucumber, slice onion and olives, and combine in a bowl.
Toast Pepitas: Toast pepitas in a dry skillet until golden brown and fragrant.
Make Dressing: Blend avocado, lime juice, oil, sweetener, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine & Chill: Toss cooled spaghetti and vegetables with dressing, then chill for at least 30 minutes.
Plate & Garnish: Drizzle with remaining dressing, scatter pepitas, and garnish with cilantro.

Notes

For optimal flavor, use ripe avocado and fresh lime juice. Toasting the pepitas enhances their flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Californian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg