DECONSTRUCTED GUACAMOLE PASTA WITH FRESH ASPARAGUS & TOMATOES

This recipe is surprisingly easy.  I deconstructed guacamole and used the ingredients to make this whole wheat pasta dish.

1/2 pound whole wheat spaghetti pasta (or your favorite...angel hair is too fragile for this dish)

2 medium avocados

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup cilantro finely chopped

1/2 cup tomato chopped

1/2 cup asparagus cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces and steamed

Add Tabasco OR Cayenne Pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon) OR Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (about 1/2 teaspoon)  This is optional and only if you like your Guacamole Spicy!

Boil the pasta according to the directions on the box.  You don't have to use whole wheat pasta.  Any whole grain pasta will do.  Steam the asparagus for about 3 minutes then run them under cold water (or thrown in a bowl of ice water) to stop the cooking.  

While the pasta is boiling and the asparagus is steaming, add the avocados to a bowl and mash them with a fork.  Add the lemon and lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, garlic salt and cilantro and mix well.  Taste for salt.

Drain the pasta and throw it in the bowl with avocado mixture and toss to coat well.  Add the heat now if you're using it.  Toss with the tomatoes and asparagus and enjoy this fresh take on pasta.