If you’re craving a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that tastes just as dazzling as it looks, Avocado Pasta Salad is about to become your new go-to recipe! Imagine tender rotini tossed with creamy ripe avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp corn, zesty lime, and a sprinkle of tangy feta, all tied together with a garlicky olive oil dressing. This summery salad is light, flavorful, and so satisfying you’ll want to make it for every picnic, potluck, and busy weekday lunch. Whether you’re after a side, a vegetarian main, or simply something to perk up your weeknight meals, Avocado Pasta Salad fits the bill in the loveliest way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into something spectacular. Each element in this Avocado Pasta Salad brings its own magic: creamy, juicy, crunchy, or salty for a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
- Rotini pasta (12 oz): The spirals are perfect for holding onto the creamy dressing and bits of veggies.
- Ripe avocados (2, diced): Soft, creamy, and loaded with healthy fats, avocados are the heart of this salad.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Their juicy burst adds sweetness and color.
- Red onion (1/2 cup, thinly sliced): A sharp crunch and pop of color keeps things interesting.
- Corn kernels (1/2 cup): Use fresh or thawed frozen for a touch of sweetness and cheery yellow hue.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Herbaceous and lively, cilantro brightens every forkful.
- Feta cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled): Adds creamy saltiness and a little tang to accent the avocado.
- Lime (juice of 1): The secret to keeping your avocado green and adding fresh zing.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Binds the dressing and enhances the salad’s richness.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): For a subtle savory undertone in every bite.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): The essential finishing touches to balance all the flavors.
How to Make Avocado Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Boil the rotini according to the package directions until just al dente, then drain thoroughly. To keep everything fresh and light, rinse the pasta under cold water until completely cool. This stops the cooking process and keeps the salad from getting mushy.
Step 2: Chop and Prep the Veggies
While the pasta cools, dice your avocados, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the cilantro. If your corn is frozen, let it thaw, or if it’s fresh, give it a quick blanch. Gather these ingredients, and you’re halfway to Avocado Pasta Salad bliss!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of one lime, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed; the lime should shine through to complement the avocado.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
In a large salad bowl, add your cooled pasta, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn, cilantro, and crumbled feta. Drizzle the lime-garlic dressing over the top, then gently toss everything together. Be careful not to mash the avocados—you want lovely chunks in every scoop.
Step 5: Chill or Serve
For extra flavor, cover and place your Avocado Pasta Salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. If you’re pressed for time, it’s also delicious served right away!
How to Serve Avocado Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a few extra crumbles of feta on top lends your Avocado Pasta Salad an irresistible pop of color and flavor. For an added flourish, a few thin slices of avocado arranged over the salad are guaranteed to impress.
Side Dishes
Pair your Avocado Pasta Salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn it into a heartier main. It also shines alongside classic barbecue fare, fresh fruit platters, or a crusty artisan bread for scooping up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve directly from a big, colorful bowl for a family-style meal, or scoop portions into mason jars for the ultimate portable picnic dish. You can also layer the salad in clear glasses or parfait jars for an elegant starter at your next brunch or party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Avocado Pasta Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed the same day, but leftovers will keep nicely for up to 24 hours—just know the avocados may darken a bit as they sit.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Avocado Pasta Salad. The creamy avocados and fresh veggies can turn watery and lose their appealing texture after thawing. For the best results, assemble fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make Avocado Pasta Salad ahead of time?
You can prep the pasta and chop the veggies ahead, but for the brightest flavors and freshest texture, combine everything and add the avocado and dressing just before serving. If making in advance, toss avocado pieces in lime juice to help prevent browning.
What other vegetables can I add?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, baby spinach, cooked peas, or even roasted zucchini are all delicious additions that can make your Avocado Pasta Salad even more colorful and nutritious.
Is this salad vegan?
As written, Avocado Pasta Salad includes feta cheese, making it vegetarian. For a vegan version, simply omit the feta or use a dairy-free alternative—everything else is fully plant-based.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
The lime juice in the dressing helps a lot, but you can also dress the avocado pieces separately with a splash of extra lime juice before mixing them with the pasta and veggies. This simple step keeps them beautifully green for longer.
Can I use a different type Salad
Definitely! While rotini is great for catching the dressing, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Just stick to a short shape so your Avocado Pasta Salad has the perfect texture and bite.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to smile when you dig into a bowl of Avocado Pasta Salad—the colors, flavors, and creamy textures make it a dish worth sharing again and again. I hope you’ll try it soon and fall in love with every forkful!
Print
Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Avocado Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Creamy avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese come together with a zesty lime dressing to create a delightful salad that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Lime Dressing:
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Rotini Pasta: Prepare the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn, cilantro, and feta cheese.
- Make the Lime Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- For added protein, mix in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- To prevent avocados from browning, toss them in a little lime juice before adding to the salad.
- Best enjoyed on the day it’s made.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
