Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe: Creamy, Fresh & Delicious
Avocado lovers, get ready for a creamy, flavorful, and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion! This Avocado Pasta Salad is loaded with vibrant ingredients like ripe avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fresh cilantro, all tossed with a light, zesty dressing. Whether you’re preparing a side dish for a summer barbecue, a light meal for lunch, or a nutritious option for meal prep, this easy and healthy pasta salad will be your new go-to recipe.
Introduction
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a cold pasta salad—especially one that’s creamy yet light, bursting with fresh ingredients, and super easy to make. This Avocado Pasta Salad brings together the rich creaminess of avocados, the tangy bite of red onions, and the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes and corn, making it a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The best part? It comes together in just 20 minutes! With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. Plus, it’s completely customizable—add grilled chicken for protein, toss in extra veggies, or switch up the dressing to make it your own. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
To prepare this delightfully fresh Avocado Pasta Salad, you’ll need the following:
Essential Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing (Optional but Recommended)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Avocado Pasta Salad
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Ingredients
While the pasta is cooling, prep your fresh ingredients:
- Dice the avocados into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes for juicy bursts of flavor.
- Finely dice the red onion for a mild, slightly sweet crunch.
- Chop the cucumber into small cubes for added crispness.
- Drain the corn if using canned, or cook fresh kernels.
- Chop the fresh cilantro for a hint of citrusy, herbaceous flavor.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This dressing adds a tangy, slightly sweet, and creamy flavor that enhances the overall dish.
4. Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, corn, and cilantro. Gently toss the ingredients together to evenly distribute the flavors.
5. Add the Dressing
Pour the homemade dressing over the salad and gently toss everything to coat. Be careful not to mash the avocados too much—you want them to stay in chunks for the best texture.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
This Avocado Pasta Salad is ready to be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with extra cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added depth.
Helpful Tips
- Use Ripe Avocados: They should be soft but not mushy. If they’re too ripe, they can turn into guacamole when tossed.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing.
- Prevent Avocado Browning: Toss avocado cubes in a little lime or lemon juice before mixing.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
- Make It Ahead: If preparing in advance, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
Cooking Tips
To elevate your Avocado Pasta Salad, consider these pro tips:
- Extra Creaminess: Mash one avocado and mix it into the dressing for a super creamy texture.
- Boost the Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or tofu for a more filling meal.
- Try a Different Pasta: Swap out bowtie pasta for penne, rotini, or whole wheat pasta for a twist.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Addition: Sprinkle feta, parmesan, or goat cheese for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Avocado Pasta Salad pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside:
- Grilled meats like chicken, steak, or salmon
- BBQ dishes as a fresh, creamy contrast
- Tacos or burritos for a Mexican-inspired meal
- Garlic bread or roasted potatoes for a more filling option
Nutritional Information
Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 8%
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The avocados may brown slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.
- Avoid Freezing: Avocados don’t freeze well, so this salad is best enjoyed fresh.
- Revive Leftovers: If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, add a drizzle of olive oil or lime juice before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing and skip the cheese.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Try rotini, penne, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta for variety.
What can I substitute for cilantro?
If you don’t like cilantro, try fresh parsley, basil, or green onions instead.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make it completely gluten-free.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Avocado Pasta Salad, check out these other delicious recipes:
- Teriyaki Salmon Bowls with Crispy Brussels Sprouts
- Crispy Fish Batter Recipe
- Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Oyster Stew – A Classic Comfort Dish
Conclusion
This Avocado Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and refreshing flavors. With minimal prep and healthy ingredients, it’s an excellent dish for any occasion. Give it a try today and enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal! 🥑🍽️