Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

There’s something undeniably refreshing about a cold pasta salad, especially when it’s loaded with fresh ingredients and a creamy, flavorful dressing. This Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for warm-weather gatherings, potlucks, or even a quick, satisfying lunch. The star ingredient—avocado—gives this salad its rich, velvety texture, while crisp vegetables add a satisfying crunch.

If you love vibrant flavors, easy-to-make meals, and a dish that feels both indulgent and healthy, this recipe is for you. It’s the kind of salad that brings people together, whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a simple meal-prep option for the week. The best part? It comes together in just a few steps, making it a go-to recipe when you’re short on time but still want something nourishing and delicious.

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – You can have this salad ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy days!
• Creamy & Refreshing – The avocado dressing is smooth, rich, and packed with flavor.
• Versatile – Add your favorite veggies or protein for a customized dish.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make it ahead of time and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Healthy & Nourishing – Full of fresh ingredients, fiber, and healthy fats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie work well)
• 2 ripe avocados
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup corn (fresh or canned)
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup cooked and diced turkey ham
• ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

How to Make Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to keep the pasta from sticking together. Set it aside while you prepare the dressing and veggies.

Step 2: Make the Avocado Dressing

In a blender or food processor, combine the avocados, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and cumin (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a splash of water or extra lime juice to thin it out. The dressing should have a luscious, velvety consistency.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooling, chop up all your fresh ingredients. Slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and rinse the black beans. Having everything prepped will make assembling the salad a breeze.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, corn, red onion, cilantro, turkey ham, black beans, and feta cheese (if using). Pour the creamy avocado dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until well coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Once chilled, give it one last toss and serve. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Use Ripe Avocados – They should be soft but not mushy, ensuring a smooth, creamy dressing.
• Rinse the Pasta – Running cold water over the pasta helps stop the cooking process and prevents it from clumping together.
• Make It Vegan – Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and skip the feta cheese.
• Add Protein – Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would make this salad even more filling.
• Storage Tip – If making ahead, squeeze a little extra lime juice over the avocado dressing to prevent browning.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Salad, Pasta
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian (optional)

Notes

• If you prefer a chunkier salad, mash the avocado slightly instead of blending it completely.
• This salad tastes best fresh but can be stored for a short time if needed (see storage instructions below).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values based on ingredients used

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this avocado pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! However, avocado tends to brown over time. To prevent this, add extra lime juice to the dressing and store the salad in an airtight container. For best results, enjoy it within 24 hours.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, bowtie, or fusilli work best because they hold onto the creamy dressing well.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen corn before adding it to the salad. You can also use canned corn (drained).

Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be! Just use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If the salad looks dry, mix in a little more lime juice or Greek yogurt before serving.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad, you might also enjoy:

• Italian Grinder Pasta Salad
• Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad: A Flavor-Packed, Easy-to-Make Favorite
• Avocado Pasta Salad – Creamy, Fresh, and Oh-So Delicious!
• Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Conclusion

This Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad is the perfect balance of fresh, creamy, and crunchy. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor and makes a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re bringing it to a picnic, making it for lunch, or simply craving a light but satisfying dinner, this pasta salad won’t disappoint.

Print