Avocado Pasta Salad

Avocado Pasta Salad

A creamy and fresh pasta salad with the smooth richness of avocado, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side at your next gathering.

Creamy, refreshing, and loaded with vibrant flavors, Avocado Pasta Salad is the ultimate dish for a light lunch, picnic, or potluck. With perfectly cooked pasta, ripe avocados, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing, this salad is a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Not only is it super versatile, but it’s also easy to make and packed with healthy fats and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a stand-alone meal, this recipe has you covered!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite type)

2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted

1 tablespoon lime juice (or lemon juice)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste

1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup cucumber, diced

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1/4 cup bell pepper, diced

Optional: Crumbled feta or cotija cheese for topping

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside.

Make the Avocado Dressing:
In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
Add the lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and stir until well combined. You can adjust the seasonings to taste.

Prepare the Veggies:
While the pasta is cooling, prepare your vegetables. Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and cilantro.

Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, mashed avocado dressing, and chopped vegetables. Toss gently to coat.

Serve & Garnish:
Garnish with fresh cilantro, crumbled feta, or cotija cheese if desired. You can also add a few extra lime wedges for a fresh squeeze before serving.

Tips for the Best Avocado Pasta Salad

Choose Ripe Avocados: Use perfectly ripe avocados for the best creamy texture. They should give slightly when pressed but not feel mushy.

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better in the salad and doesn’t get soggy.

Toss in Lemon Juice: Mix avocado chunks with a bit of lemon or lime juice to prevent browning and add a fresh zing.

Add a Crunch: Incorporate ingredients like diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or nuts for extra texture.

Serve Fresh: Avocado can darken over time, so this salad is best enjoyed shortly after making.

For added protein, you can toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.

This creamy Avocado Pasta Salad is refreshing, light, and perfect for picnics, barbecues, or meal prep.