Mango Avocado Pasta Salad (Printable Page)

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 250 g small pasta shells or rotini
02 - 1/2 tsp salt (for boiling water)

→ Fruit & Vegetables

03 - 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
04 - 1 large ripe avocado, diced
05 - 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
06 - 1 cup mozzarella pearls
07 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

→ Dressing

08 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tbsp honey
10 - 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
11 - 1/2 tsp lime zest
12 - 1/4 tsp salt
13 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
14 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped

# How to Make It:

01 - Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, honey, lime juice, lime zest, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro until well combined.
03 - In a large salad bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced mango, avocado, red onion, mozzarella pearls, and cilantro leaves.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated, taking care not to mash the avocado.
05 - Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed. Serve immediately for best texture, or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving.

# Helpful Tips:

01 - For extra crunch, add toasted pepitas or chopped cashews.
02 - Swap mozzarella pearls for feta or goat cheese if desired.
03 - Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
04 - If making ahead, add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.