Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a refreshing, creamy, and healthy twist on a classic pasta salad, Avocado Pasta Salad is the answer. Packed with vibrant ingredients like ripe avocados, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy corn, this dish is not only satisfying but also bursting with flavors that are as fresh as they are delicious. The creamy avocado dressing takes the place of traditional mayo or creamy dressings, offering a smooth, velvety texture while still keeping things light and nutritious.

This pasta salad is perfect for a summer picnic, a quick lunch, or even as a side dish at a family barbecue. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepped in just a few minutes. The addition of lemon juice adds a zesty kick that perfectly balances the richness of the avocado, while the garlic, fresh parsley, and vegetables add layers of flavor and texture.

Whether you’re a fan of avocados or simply looking for a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional pasta salads, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this crowd-pleasing, avocado-packed salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Healthy: The avocado dressing gives the salad a creamy texture without the heaviness of mayonnaise, making it a healthier choice.
2. Packed with Fresh Ingredients: With vibrant vegetables like cherry tomatoes, red onion, and corn, this salad is a nutritional powerhouse.
3. Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this pasta salad is perfect for a quick meal or last-minute gathering.
4. Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients like cucumber, bell peppers, or grilled chicken.
5. Chilled or Room Temperature: This salad can be served immediately or chilled, making it ideal for both warm weather and cooler days.

Ingredients

• Rotini pasta
• Ripe avocados (peeled and pitted)
• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Garlic (minced)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Red onion (finely chopped)
• Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
• Fresh parsley (chopped)

Variations

• Add Protein: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a boost of protein.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta, mozzarella pearls, or Parmesan for extra richness and flavor.
• Swap Pasta: If you prefer gluten-free pasta, you can substitute rotini with a gluten-free variety.
• Add Greens: Include spinach, arugula, or baby kale for added nutrients and texture.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in a diced jalapeño or drizzle with sriracha sauce for a bit of heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Dressing

In a blender or food processor, combine the peeled and pitted avocados, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a little extra olive oil or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Mix the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and corn kernels. Pour the avocado dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, then toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for a chilled version.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Ripe Avocados: For the creamiest dressing, make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy.
• Chill Before Serving: While you can serve this salad immediately, chilling it in the fridge for 1-2 hours will allow the flavors to meld together even more.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture. Overcooked pasta can become too soft and mushy when mixed with the avocado dressing.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the avocado dressing and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference before tossing it with the pasta.

How to Serve

This Avocado Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served as a standalone dish or alongside other main courses. It’s perfect for warm weather gatherings, potlucks, or as a quick lunch. Pair it with grilled meats, fish, or a light sandwich for a complete meal. If you’re serving it as a side dish, it works well with BBQ, roasted chicken, or a fresh garden salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado dressing may darken slightly as it sits, but it will still be delicious. If desired, add a little extra lemon juice or olive oil before serving to freshen it up.

Freezing

We do not recommend freezing this pasta salad, as the avocado dressing will change texture once frozen and thawed.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Simply remove it from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving if you prefer it to be less chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta are all great alternatives to rotini.

2. How can I make the dressing thicker?

If you prefer a thicker dressing, simply add a little less olive oil or reduce the amount of lemon juice. You can also try adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

3. Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan, as it contains no dairy or animal products.

4. How long will this salad last in the fridge?

The salad will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator, though the avocado dressing may oxidize slightly and change color. Stir before serving.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! You can add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots for extra crunch and flavor.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta, this recipe can be made gluten-free.

7. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this salad up to 2 hours in advance. It actually tastes even better when the flavors have had time to meld together in the fridge.

8. How can I make this salad spicier?

Add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the avocado dressing for an extra kick.

9. Can I use canned corn?

Yes, canned or frozen corn works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to drain and rinse the corn if using canned.

10. Can I make this salad without garlic?

If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can easily leave it out. You can substitute with a little bit of onion powder or skip it altogether for a milder flavor.

Conclusion

Avocado Pasta Salad is the ultimate in simple, healthy, and delicious dishes that everyone will love. The creamy avocado dressing, combined with fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked pasta, makes for a satisfying meal that’s light but full of flavor. Whether you serve it chilled for a refreshing side dish or as a standalone lunch, this salad is sure to impress. With its ease of preparation and versatility, it’s the perfect recipe to keep on hand for busy weeknights, potlucks, or picnics in the sun!

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