Salmon and Avocado Pasta Salad

Pasta salad with salmon, avocado, green onions, red bell pepper and fresh cilantro tossed in a lime and sour cream dressing and served on a bed of lettuce leaves.

Recipe Ingredients:

6 ounces dry pasta, macaroni, penne or shells
2 tablespoons French dressing
1 (14.75-ounce) can salmon, or 2 (7.5-ounce) cans
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and thinly sliced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
1 lime, juiced and rind grated
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
Lettuce leaves
Paprika, to taste

Cooking Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and toss with French dressing. Allow to cool.
2. Drain and flake salmon. Add to pasta with green onions, sliced pepper and cilantro.
3. Whisk together lime juice and grated rind, mayonnaise, sour cream and tomato paste, until thoroughly combined.
4. Toss pasta salad with dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper; cover and chill.
5. Before serving, gently toss avocados into salad. Spoon salad onto bed of lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with paprika for garnish.

Makes 2 (main dish) servings, or 4 (side dish) servings.