Classic Pasta Salad With Mozzarella, Avocado and Basil

Step 1

To prepare the dressing, in a large bowl, whisk together shallot, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk in oil. Taste and add more salt and-or lemon juice if needed.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until it is just al dente, usually a minute less than the package instructions. Drain well. While still warm, add the pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss well. Let pasta cool, soaking up the dressing.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, gently toss together avocado, lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

Step 4

Just before serving, add tomato, cucumber, mozzarella and Parmesan to the bowl with the pasta and toss well. Gently fold in avocado and basil.

Step 5

Drizzle with olive oil, cracked black pepper and salt to taste before serving.