I really do not care for lettuce. I realize it comes in a variety of choices, but I have yet to find one I crave. Granted I eat lettuce because it is good for me, but, when I go to make a salad, my first thought is “How can I replace the lettuce?” This time it is with pasta.

This recipe is an extremely easy, healthy, and quick pasta salad for those nights you don’t have time to fuss about with dinner. The warmth of the pasta makes me feel like I am eating an evening meal (not sure why heat correlates with an evening meal for me, but that self-analysis will have to wait) and the cucumber, tomato, and avocado add healthy nutrients. Here is what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 avocado
• 1/2 cucumber (I prefer the “hot house” cucumber)
• 2 tomatoes
• about 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 2 tablespoons dried basil
• fresh or dried dill (to taste)
• about 1/4 extra virgin olive oil (or to the thickness you want the dressing)
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1-2 cups pasta depending on how much you like pasta (any short pasta will do – I chose Rotini)

Steps for Salad

1. Boil water and add the pasta to get it cooking
2. Dice the tomato, cucumber, and 3/4 of the avocado
3. Drain the cooked pasta and combine it in a bowl with the tomato, cucumber, avocado, feta cheese and basil
4. Add the dressing (see below for the recipe), toss together, sprinkle the top with dried or fresh dill, and serve

Steps for Dressing

1. In a blender add 1/4 of the avocado, tsp of dried basil, 5-6 pieces of diced cucumber, salt and pepper (to taste), and extra virgin olive oil (start with about 2-3 Tablespoons)
2. Blend well, adding olive oil until you reach the thickness you desire for the dressing

Serve and enjoy!,