Macaroni Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Drescription

Give classic pasta salad a fresher, more flavorful spin. This fast pasta dish calls for avocado to replace some of the mayonnaise, which makes it extra creamy. Whole-wheat elbow macaroni and fresh vegetables round out this healthy pasta salad that you'll be making all summer long.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole-wheat elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• ½ cup thinly sliced celery
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
• 1 ripe medium avocado
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried minced garlic
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Directions

1. Cook macaroni in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water; drain again. Transfer to a large bowl. Add bell pepper, celery, scallions and parsley (or cilantro).
2. Halve avocado, remove pit and scoop flesh into a mini food processor. Add mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, dried garlic and pepper. Process until smooth. Add the avocado dressing to the large bowl with the macaroni salad and stir until well coated.