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
Yum! I made this for lunch and just kept eating and eating. Shared it with my kids too, and they loved it! Easy peasy!
I’m skeptical about using mashed avocado as the “sauce,” but wow—coated everything nicely. I served it chilled and it tasted like a guac-pasta hybrid (in a good way).
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!
Hah i didnt have cilantrow so i used parsley and it was okay. Would rate 4 if you like green stuff
Why would you put avocados in pasta? Sounds weird.
Very nice, but too much lime for my kids. Next time I’ll use less lime juice.
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. 😕