Creamy Tahini Pasta Salad Recipe
"This recipe would be a great addition to any outdoor cookout or even as the main dish for lunch, along with some fruit," 100 Days of Real Food blogger Lisa Leake says.
Photo: Alison Gootee
Serves 4 to 5
Salt
8 ounces (or 5 cups cooked) small whole grain pasta, such as mini penne, elbow macaroni or fusilli
1/2 cucumber, cut into 1/4" to 1/2" dice
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4" to 1/2" dice
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and cut into 1/2" dice (optional)
For Tahini Dressing: 1/3 cup tahini
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup water
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. honey
1 garlic clove, crushed
Total time: 35 minutes
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cucumber and bell pepper.
To make Tahini Dressing: In a blender, combine tahini, olive oil, water, soy sauce, honey and garlic. Puree until smooth. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
In a medium bowl, mix Tahini Dressing, yogurt, lemon juice and 1/4 tsp. salt, then stir into pasta mixture. Carefully fold in avocado (if using). Refrigerate, covered, if not serving immediately. Serve cold or at room temperature. Note: If using avocado, serve within 24 hours.
Adapted from 100 Days of Real Food by Lisa Leake.
Ingredients
For Tahini Dressing:
Directions
Total time: 35 minutes
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cucumber and bell pepper.
To make Tahini Dressing: In a blender, combine tahini, olive oil, water, soy sauce, honey and garlic. Puree until smooth. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
In a medium bowl, mix Tahini Dressing, yogurt, lemon juice and 1/4 tsp. salt, then stir into pasta mixture. Carefully fold in avocado (if using). Refrigerate, covered, if not serving immediately. Serve cold or at room temperature. Note: If using avocado, serve within 24 hours.
Adapted from 100 Days of Real Food by Lisa Leake.