Tex-Mex Orzo Pasta Salad with Avocado Dressing

This pasta salad was the perfect complement to my spicy apricot chicken the other night. It was even better the next day for a perfect park lunch. I love how the avocado makes a rich creamy dressing without the use of dairy or mayo. The dash of cayenne pepper totally brings it up a notch so if you like things spicy don't be afraid to add a bit more but since this was a family friendly recipe I settled for just a pinch.

Tex Mex Orzo Pasta Salad

2 C Orzo pasta
1 C chopped tri colored peppers
3 scallions
1 C black beans
1 C frozen corn
1 C cucumber
½ C cilantro chopped

Dressing
1 Avocado
¼ C EVOO
¼ C cider vinegar
½ Lime, juiced
1 shallot chopped
dash of cayenne pepperS&P

Mix dressing ingredients in a blender or use an immersion blender to emulsify and set aside. Boil water and cook pasta per instructions on the packaging. Mix pasta, vegetables and dressing together and serve or refrigerate.