Mediterranean Noodles with Avocado, Beans & Homemade Croutons
This Mediterranean-inspired noodle bowl combines whole-grain or chickpea pasta with creamy avocado, protein-packed beans, crunchy homemade croutons, and a bright lemon-herb dressing. A wholesome vegetarian main dish that’s both refreshing and filling.
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Noodles
12 oz (340 g) whole-grain spaghetti, linguine, or chickpea noodles
Salt for pasta water
For the Homemade Croutons
3 cups whole-grain bread cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried oregano
Pinch of salt & pepper
Salad Components
1 ripe avocado, diced
1 can (15 oz) cannellini or great northern beans, rinsed & drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cucumber, diced
¼ cup Kalamata olives, halved (optional)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Lemon-Herb Dressing
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain, rinse briefly under cool water, and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Croutons
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and bake 12–15 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crisp.
3. Prepare the Dressing
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble the Bowl
1. In a large bowl, combine noodles, beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives.
2. Drizzle with lemon-herb dressing and toss gently.
3. Top with avocado, homemade croutons, and feta (if using).
4. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes & Tips
Make It Vegan: Skip the feta or use plant-based cheese.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, tuna, or boiled eggs for extra protein.
Meal Prep: Keep croutons and avocado separate until ready to eat for best texture.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles and bread for croutons.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I serve this cold like a pasta salad?
Yes — it works great chilled as a Mediterranean noodle salad.
Q: How do I keep avocado from browning?
Toss diced avocado in a little lemon juice before adding.
Q: How long will leftovers keep?
Up to 2 days in the fridge (add croutons fresh each time).
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~490
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 64g
Fat: 19g
Fiber: 11g