Creamy Garden-Fresh Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe
Whipping up a delightful avocado pasta salad brings unexpected joy to your midweek meals.
Creamy textures blend seamlessly with fresh herbs and vibrant vegetables.
Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully crafted bite.
Crisp ingredients create a refreshing ensemble that feels both light and satisfying.
Nutritious and quick, this recipe promises a delectable experience for anyone seeking a simple yet impressive dish.
Summer lunches or casual dinner gatherings will never be the same with this crowd-pleasing creation.
Avocado Pasta Salad: Fresh and Creamy Delight
Ingredients for Avocado Pasta Salad
For the Pasta:For the Avocado Sauce and Seasoning:For the Vegetables and Garnish:How to Toss Avocado Pasta Salad Perfectly
Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly
Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Toss in bowtie pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.
Drain the pasta and give it a quick cold water rinse to stop the cooking process. Let the pasta cool completely while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Create Zesty Avocado Sauce
Grab a mixing bowl and mash a ripe avocado until it’s silky smooth. Blend in these ingredients:Whisk everything together until you have a creamy, vibrant dressing that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Step 3: Mix Colorful Veggie Medley
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine these fresh ingredients:Pour the luscious avocado sauce over the ingredients and gently toss until everything is beautifully coated.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Flair
Sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a final burst of brightness.
You can serve the pasta salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle and develop.
Tips for Avocado Pasta Salad
Variations on Avocado Pasta Salad
Pairing Ideas for Avocado Pasta Salad
How to Store Avocado Pasta Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the salad cold to maintain its freshness and prevent avocado browning.
Gently warm the pasta salad at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent avocado dressing from separating or becoming mushy.
If the salad looks dry after storing, add a splash of fresh lime juice and olive oil to revive the creamy texture and brightness.
Before serving leftover salad, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top to restore the original vibrant flavor and appearance.
FAQs
Yes, it’s packed with nutrients. Avocados provide healthy fats, and the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. The dish is rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before serving to prevent the avocados from browning.
Add extra lime juice to the dressing. The citric acid helps slow down oxidation and keeps the avocado looking fresh and green.
Yes, this avocado pasta salad is completely vegetarian. It’s a great option for those looking for a light, meat-free meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
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Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Cool Mediterranean flavors dance through this avocado pasta salad, blending creamy textures with zesty herbs and fresh ingredients. Summer gatherings become delightful moments when you serve this refreshing and nutritious dish packed with simple yet elegant charm.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn (cooked and cooled)
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in a generously salted pot of water at high heat, ensuring it reaches al dente consistency according to package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process, then allow to cool completely.
- Create a silky dressing by mashing a ripe avocado until perfectly smooth. Incorporate olive oil, tangy lime juice, pungent minced garlic, and earthy ground cumin. Season with salt and pepper, whisking until emulsified and creamy.
- Combine the cooled pasta in a spacious mixing bowl with vibrant diced avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp red onion, crisp cucumber, and sweet corn kernels.
- Pour the prepared avocado dressing over the salad, gently folding to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the luscious mixture.
- Finish the dish by scattering fresh, bright cilantro leaves across the top for an aromatic garnish. Serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to intensify the flavor profile.
Notes
- Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or quinoa to create a gluten-free or low-carb version that’s equally delicious and nutritious.
- Use fresh, ripe avocados for the creamiest dressing possible, ensuring they’re soft but not overly mushy when pressed gently.
- Quickly dice vegetables right before mixing to maintain crisp textures and prevent wilting, keeping the salad looking vibrant and fresh.
- Customize protein options by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal that suits different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Ethan Caldwell
Founder & Culinary Innovator
Expertise
Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling
Education
The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)
Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.