Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying, look no further than this Avocado Pasta Salad. Creamy, tangy, and full of vibrant flavors, this pasta salad is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for your BBQ, or something to bring to a picnic. The creamy avocado dressing is like a burst of sunshine, enveloping the pasta, veggies, and herbs with its rich texture. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again!

Why You’ll Love Avocado Pasta Salad

Here’s why this salad will quickly become your new favorite go-to dish:

Creamy and Fresh: The avocado dressing gives this pasta salad an irresistibly creamy texture while staying light and fresh. It’s indulgent without being heavy, making it the perfect dish for warmer weather.

Customizable: You can make it your own by adding your favorite veggies, proteins, or extra toppings. Want to throw in some grilled chicken or bacon? Go for it! Add some extra crunch with nuts or seeds—this salad can be as creative as you like.

Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, this dish comes together in no time. It’s simple enough to whip up for a weeknight dinner, but it’s also impressive enough to serve at a gathering or party.

Healthy Yet Hearty: Packed with healthy fats from the avocado and fiber from the pasta and veggies, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens while indulging in creamy goodness.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a potluck, a family dinner, or just a casual meal for yourself, this Avocado Pasta Salad is always a hit. It’s light enough for hot summer days but can be enjoyed year-round!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy and delicious salad:

Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape—penne, rotini, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta all work wonderfully. The bite-sized shapes are perfect for holding onto that creamy avocado dressing.

Avocados: You’ll need ripe avocados for the dressing. They’re what make this pasta salad rich and creamy, without the need for mayonnaise or heavy cream.

Greek Yogurt: To add some tanginess and extra creaminess, Greek yogurt is the perfect ingredient. It balances the richness of the avocado while keeping the dressing light and refreshing.

Lemon Juice: A little fresh lemon juice gives the dressing a zesty kick, cutting through the creaminess of the avocado and yogurt while brightening up the whole dish.

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth of flavor to the dressing. You can also use garlic powder if that’s what you have on hand!

Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps to smooth out the dressing and adds a lovely richness to the salad.

Cherry Tomatoes: These little pops of juicy sweetness are the perfect veggie to add to this salad. They pair beautifully with the creamy avocado dressing.

Cucumber: Fresh cucumber gives the salad a crisp crunch and adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy dressing.

Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a mild, slightly sweet bite that complements the creamy texture of the avocado.

Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro, basil, or parsley adds an extra layer of brightness and flavor to the salad.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing everything together, don’t forget to season your salad with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this creamy, fresh salad on the table!

Cook the Pasta:

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to cook it al dente, so it has a nice bite and doesn’t get mushy in the salad. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.

Make the Avocado Dressing:

While the pasta is cooling, it’s time to make the creamy avocado dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocados, Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Prep the Veggies:

While your pasta is cooling and the dressing is coming together, slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Fresh veggies add that necessary crunch and sweetness that make this pasta salad so irresistible.

Toss Everything Together:

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sliced veggies, and fresh herbs. Pour the creamy avocado dressing over the top and toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are well coated in the dressing. If you want some extra toppings, feel free to add nuts, seeds, or crumbled feta cheese at this point!

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This salad can be enjoyed right away or stored in the fridge for a couple of days. It’s great for meal prep and makes for a delicious, fresh lunch!

How to Serve Avocado Pasta Salad

This dish is perfect as a main or side! Here are a few ways to serve it:

As a Light Lunch: Enjoy it on its own with a slice of crusty bread for a simple, healthy lunch.

With Grilled Protein: Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even grilled steak for a heartier meal.

At a Picnic or BBQ: This pasta salad is an absolute crowd-pleaser and perfect for outdoor gatherings. It’s refreshing, creamy, and flavorful!

With a Side of Fruit: Add some fresh fruit like watermelon or berries to your plate to complement the creaminess of the pasta salad. The combination is light and satisfying.

Additional Tips

Use Ripe Avocados: The key to a smooth, creamy dressing is using ripe avocados. Make sure they’re soft but not mushy for the best texture.

Make It Ahead: This salad is even better when the flavors have had time to marinate. Make it the night before and let it chill in the fridge for a few hours to allow the dressing to really soak into the pasta.

Add Protein: If you want to make this dish more filling, feel free to add some grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for extra protein.

Fresh Lemon Juice: Don’t skimp on the fresh lemon juice—it adds a brightness that really takes this dish to the next level!

Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap out the cucumbers, tomatoes, or red onion for other veggies you love. Bell peppers, corn, or even roasted sweet potatoes would all be delicious additions.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use any kind of pasta you like! Penne, fusilli, farfalle, or rotini are all great choices. Just make sure it’s a shape that holds up well with the creamy dressing.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If the dressing thickens in the fridge, you can loosen it up with a small amount of water or olive oil.

Q3: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! This pasta salad actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together. Just keep in mind that the avocado may darken slightly, but it will still taste delicious.

Q4: How do I prevent the avocado dressing from browning?
A4: To help prevent browning, try covering the salad with plastic wrap so it’s touching the surface of the dressing before refrigerating. You can also add a little extra lemon juice, which helps to preserve the color.

Q5: Can I make this salad without Greek yogurt?
A5: Yes! You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt if you prefer. You can also use extra avocado for a richer, all-avocado dressing.

Enjoy!

This Avocado Pasta Salad is a creamy, tangy, and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s fresh, satisfying, and packed with flavor from the creamy avocado dressing to the crunchy veggies. Whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny day or preparing it for a gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite! Enjoy!

Print