Pasta Salad with Black Beans & Avocado Dressing

This Pasta Salad with Black Beans and Avocado Dressing is a wholesome and tasty option for a cold school lunch. It's packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats from the avocado dressing, making it both satisfying and nutritious.

Great

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Pasta Salad:

Step 2

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly. Set it aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion (if using), and chopped cilantro (if using).

Step 4

Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to mix well.

Step 5

Avocado Dressing:

Step 6

In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, plain Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, and olive oil.

Step 7

Blend until the dressing is smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 8

Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 9

Assemble:

Step 10

Pour the avocado dressing over the pasta salad.

Step 11

Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.

Step 12

Taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary.

Step 13

Divide the pasta salad into individual containers suitable for your child's lunch.

Step 14

Seal the containers and refrigerate until it's time to pack the lunch.