Creamy avocado pasta salad is a rich, vibrant, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or as a side to a larger meal. The creamy texture of ripe avocados combined with the tangy dressing creates a smooth, indulgent salad that’s not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats. Toss in your favorite vegetables and herbs, and you’ve got a flavorful, nutritious dish that everyone will love.
To begin, cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli work best for pasta salads as they hold the creamy dressing well. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
While the pasta is cooling, prepare the avocado dressing. Start by mashing one or two ripe avocados in a large bowl until smooth. The avocado will form the base of your creamy dressing, offering both flavor and richness. Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the mashed avocado to give it a tangy kick and help prevent the avocado from browning. For extra flavor, mix in a clove of minced garlic, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir in a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
To make the dressing lighter and easier to toss with the pasta, add a little bit of water or Greek yogurt until you achieve the desired creamy consistency. If you like a little spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Once the dressing is ready, transfer the cooled pasta to a large bowl. Add in the creamy avocado dressing and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. Now, it’s time to add some crunch and extra flavor. Dice fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion for a burst of color and flavor. You can also toss in a handful of sweet corn or roasted bell peppers for added sweetness and depth.
For some extra protein, consider adding chickpeas, grilled chicken, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese. Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil work well in this salad, adding a pop of freshness that complements the creamy avocado.
Give everything one last gentle toss to combine, and serve immediately. If you’re making the salad ahead of time, keep it refrigerated and give it a good stir before serving.
This creamy avocado pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing option that’s both satisfying and healthy. The creamy avocado dressing provides a rich and velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully, while the mix of fresh veggies adds crunch and vibrancy. It’s perfect for warm weather and is sure to become a favorite in your salad rotation.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta such as fusilli or penne
- 2 large avocados peeled, pitted, and mashed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed avocados, lime juice, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro to the avocado mixture. Toss until well combined.
- Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve the Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad with an additional sprinkle of cilantro on top if desired.
Nutrition
Just okay… I think I prefer regular pasta salads. This just lacked something. 🤷♂️
This salad is divine! The avocado makes it so creamy and yummy.
Totally agree! Avocado really does make everything better. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Yuck! This was not for me. The lime flavor was just too overwhelming. Never again!
Why would you put avocados in pasta? Sounds weird.
I added some grilled chicken for protein, turned out great! Who knew avocado could be that good?
I tried it, but the lime was too overpowering. Maybe I used too much? Idk. 😕
I liked this recipe but why do avocados turn brown so fast? Mine looked awful after a few hours.
Avocados brown quickly because they oxidize when exposed to air. You should try adding more lime juice; it helps slow down the browning!
I don’t get why they change color so fast. Maybe your avocados were bad? Mine never brown that quick.
Too much cilantro for my taste, I might leave that out next time.
I agree! Cilantro can be super overpowering. I like it, but in smaller amounts. Maybe try a bit of basil instead?
Cilantro is the best! It’s what makes dishes taste fresh. But hey, everyone’s taste is different, right?
I don’t like avocados, so this wasn’t for me. Should’ve left them out.
You could always just leave out the avocados and maybe try adding another dressing? Not everyone likes them, but the rest of the salad sounds great!
But avocados are like superfoods! You really missin out if you skip them. Maybe try it again?
Can’t believe avocados go with pasta. Sounds crazy, but I’m gonna try it once. Will update my rating!
Trust me, it’s actually really good! You won’t regret it!
Sounds good but I’m skeptical about avocados in pasta. Isn’t that weird?
I get where you’re coming from! It does sound odd, but I promise it’s delicious! Just give it a try!
Avocados in pasta? That’s strange. Can’t believe people eat that. I’ll pass.
I was skeptical about mixing avocado and pasta, but wow! This turned out better than I thought. Will make again!
This is just pasta and avocado!? Where’s the flavor? I think it’s missing something 🤔
i didnt like this, taste too weird for me. plus, i messed up the cooking and it was mushy.
I forgot to chill it and it was fine! Not sure what the fuss is about, but it was still decent.
Not bad, but where’s the cheese? It needs cheese!
Loved it! Very refreshing, perfect for summer days. 🌞
This is absolutely delicious! The avocado gives it such a creamy texture. My family loved it!
I dunno, my kids didn’t like it at all. The texture was weird for them. Maybe too much avocado?
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Avocado really does make everything better. 👍
I used lemon instead of lime. Still yummy!
The cilantro was a bit overwhelming for me. Maybe I should have tried less?
I’m not sure about this. Avocados go on toast, not in pasta.
I get what you mean, but you should try it! The creaminess of the avocado really works with the pasta. It’s a different take, but it’s yum!
Simple ingredients but so delish! My kids loved it, and I didn’t have to fight them to eat greens. 👍
I don’t know about the avocados; they taste kinda funny to me. 😕
Sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try this recipe myself. 🥑❤️
I made this for my friends, but I used green tomatoes instead. It wasn’t as good. Oops!
Green tomatoes? That’s a brave choice! But yeah, they can be pretty tart. Stick to the recipe next time! 😄
I made this for my family picnic, and everyone was raving about it! Total winner! 🍽️
Wow, who woulda thought pasta could be made creamy like this? Love it!
Not a fan, it was too mushy for my taste. Avocado in pasta? Really? Seemed weird.
Absolutely delicious! My family loved it. Will make again!
5 stars! This dish is so refreshing, I make it every week.
I don’t like cilantro much, what can I use instead? Help!
Just leave it out. Who needs cilantro anyway? Looks good to me without it!
You can use parsley instead of cilantro! It will give you a fresh taste without the strong flavor.
Yummy! I brought it to a picnic and everybody loved it! Will make it again for sure!
Doesn’t the pasta get mushy if you chill it? I was skeptical but tried it anyway!
I was also worried about the mushiness, but it actually turned out great! The chilling helps the flavors mix better.
This pasta salad is a game changer! So creamy and fresh. Will def make it again!
This was super easy to make! I added some grilled chicken for protein. Yum!
I’m glad you found it easy! Grilled chicken sounds like a tasty addition. Can’t wait to try it myself!
Too much lime juice for my taste. Maybe just one tablespoon next time? Also, could not taste the avocado at all.
I don’t know, I feel like the avocado overpowered everything. Too rich for me.
Why do you need to chill it? I like it room temp! Still good though.
Easy to make, but my kids wouldn’t eat it. 🤷♀️ Maybe too green?
I dunno about mixing pasta and avocados. It just sounds weird. My family didn’t like it at all.
Served this at a potluck and it disappeared fast! Everyone wanted the recipe.
This pasta salad is amazing! Super creamy and refreshing. I added some grilled chicken for protein and it was a hit!
This is absolutely delicious! Perfect for summer. 🌞
Salad? Nah. Just mush, put some chicken in it or something!
Easy to make and perfect for summer! 10/10 will make again. ☀️
Absolutely loved this! The avocado makes it so creamy and delicious. A hit at my BBQ!
I don’t like avocados but my friends swear by this. I guess avocado lovers will enjoy it.
Hmm, I found this too bland. Maybe it needed more seasoning? Not really my cup of tea.
Yum! I used whole wheat pasta and added some feta cheese. So good!
Feta sounds like a great twist! I might try that next time. Thanks for sharing!
Yummy! I added grilled chicken and it was amazing! Definitely a keeper.
Just made it! So good!! 😍
Yum, I can’t wait to try this! Avocados are the best! 🥑
Yum! Mixed with some lemon instead of lime and it worked out great.
Where’s the parmesan?!! I need cheese with my pasta!
I get it, cheese makes everything better! But this pasta salad is about the creaminess of avocado. Maybe sprinkle some parmesan on top if you really want it!
I think it would’ve been better with more dressing. Kinda dry.
My kids loved it! They hate vegetables but ate this up! Guess the avocado magic works!
Really? My kids wouldn’t touch that with a ten foot pole. Avocados are just green mush!
That sounds amazing! I be wantin’ to try it too! My kiddos are picky eaters too!
I used zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Turned out great! Healthy too!
Thx for this! Quick and easy, just what I needed for lunch.
You’re welcome! I love how creamy and easy this is too. Perfect for a hot day!