Bright & Tangy Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Fun

Crafting a delightful avocado pasta salad brings together creamy textures and bright flavors in one stunning dish.

Ripe avocados meld perfectly with tender pasta, creating a refreshing meal for any occasion.

Crisp vegetables add vibrant crunch to each delectable bite.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum satisfaction, making this recipe ideal for quick weeknight dinners.

Mediterranean-inspired elements dance through the colorful mix, promising a light yet satisfying experience.

Simple techniques help you assemble this crowd-pleasing salad without stress or complicated steps.

Discover how easily nutritious ingredients can become an irresistible meal that everyone will adore.

How to Store Avocado Pasta Salad Properly

Store the avocado pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent browning and oxidation of avocados.

Squeeze extra lime juice over the salad before storing to help maintain the avocado’s fresh green color and prevent discoloration.

Do not freeze this salad, as the avocado and fresh vegetables will become mushy and lose their crisp texture when thawed.

Before serving leftovers, gently stir the salad and add a splash of fresh lime juice or olive oil to revive the dressing and restore moisture.

FAQs

• Is this pasta salad healthy?

This avocado pasta salad is packed with nutritious ingredients like avocados, fresh vegetables, and whole grain pasta. It’s rich in healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a nutritious and balanced meal option.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian and can be easily made vegan by ensuring you use vegan-friendly pasta. The avocado dressing provides a creamy texture without dairy products.

• How long can the salad stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this pasta salad will remain fresh for 1-2 days. However, the avocado might start to brown, so it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours of preparation.

Why Avocado Pasta Salad Is a Cool, Creamy Treat

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to make this pasta salad your personal culinary masterpiece.
• Zero-Fuss Preparation: Combine ingredients quickly without complicated cooking techniques, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals.
• Healthy Summer Delight: Packed with fresh vegetables and creamy avocado, this recipe offers a nutritious option for outdoor gatherings and picnics.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Suitable for potlucks, barbecues, and casual family dinners, this colorful pasta salad appeals to diverse taste preferences.

Ingredients for Fresh Avocado Pasta Salad

• Bowtie Pasta: The foundation of this refreshing salad that provides a satisfying texture and serves as a perfect carrier for the creamy dressing.

• Avocado, Ripe Avocado: A rich and buttery ingredient that creates a smooth, luxurious dressing and adds extra chunks for a creamy texture.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Cucumber: These colorful vegetables add crispness, freshness, and a delightful crunch to the pasta salad.
• Corn: A sweet and juicy ingredient that brings a pop of color and mild sweetness to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A smooth and rich liquid that helps create a silky and well-combined dressing.
• Lime Juice: A tangy ingredient that brightens the flavors and adds a zesty kick to the salad.
• Garlic, Ground Cumin: Aromatic spices that provide depth and complexity to the dressing.

• Cilantro: A fresh herb that adds a vibrant and herbaceous flavor to the final dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the salad.

How to Toss Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

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 ideal al dente texture.

Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Spread the pasta on a flat surface to cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Avocado Dressing

• Olive oil
• Fresh lime juice
• Minced garlic
• Ground cumin

Season the dressing with salt and pepper until it tastes absolutely delicious.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Veggie Companions

• Ripe avocados
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion
• Cucumber
• Sweet corn kernels

Step 4: Combine and Dress the Salad

Toss all the chopped vegetables with the cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the creamy avocado dressing over the top and gently mix until everything is beautifully coated.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the pasta salad for a vibrant burst of flavor. You can serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and develop.

Tips That Keep Avocado Pasta Salad Fresh

• Choose ripe but firm avocados to prevent mushy texture in the pasta salad.
• Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking process and prevent overcooking.
• Squeeze fresh lime juice for brighter, more vibrant dressing flavor.
• Add diced jalapeños for extra heat and zesty kick if you enjoy spicy dishes.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 days to maintain freshness.

Variations to Personalize Avocado Pasta Salad

• Mediterranean Variation: Replace cilantro with fresh parsley and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired pasta salad with tangy Mediterranean flavors.
• Protein-Packed Option: Mix in grilled chicken, black beans, or shredded rotisserie chicken to boost protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Vegan Friendly Version: Ensure all ingredients are plant-based and swap dairy-based additions with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives for added nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and swap lime juice with hot sauce to create a zesty, spicy version of the original avocado pasta salad.

What Goes Well with Avocado Pasta Salad

• Enhance Flavor Companions: Crisp, unoaked Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the creamy avocado dressing with its zesty citrus notes.
• Pair with Protein Boost: Grilled shrimp or rotisserie chicken can transform this pasta salad into a more substantial meal, adding lean protein and extra texture.
• Refreshing Side Kick: Mexican-style lager beer like Modelo Especial cuts through the richness of the avocado and provides a light, crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Herbaceous Herbal Companion: Fresh mint or basil leaves can be sprinkled on top to elevate the salad's aromatic profile and introduce a vibrant, clean flavor dimension.

Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy avocado pasta salad delivers a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of fresh herbs and zesty lime. Summer gatherings will come alive with this simple, nutritious dish that combines rich textures and bold flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 3 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup corn (cooked and cooled)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in generously salted water until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process, then allow to cool completely.
2. Create vibrant dressing by mashing ripe avocado into silky smooth consistency. Incorporate olive oil, zesty lime juice, aromatic garlic, and warm ground cumin. Season with salt and pepper, whisking until harmoniously blended.
3. Transfer cooled pasta into expansive mixing vessel. Gently fold in diced avocados, vibrant cherry tomatoes, sharp red onion, crisp cucumber, and sweet corn kernels.
4. Cascade creamy avocado dressing across salad ingredients, using delicate motion to distribute evenly and coat each component thoroughly.
5. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, releasing its bright, herbaceous essence. Optionally refrigerate for 30 minutes to intensify flavor profile, allowing ingredients to marinate and meld together.
6. Serve chilled as refreshing side dish or light summer meal, presenting a colorful and nutritious culinary creation that celebrates fresh, vibrant ingredients.

Notes

• Swap bowtie pasta with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa or rice pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform this into a more substantial meal.
• Keep avocados from browning by adding lime juice directly onto diced pieces, which prevents oxidation and maintains vibrant green color.
• Prepare dressing just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and prevent separation of ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 345 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg