Is there anything better than a refreshing, creamy avocado pasta salad on a warm day? I think not! This dish is like a burst of sunshine on your plate, and it’s perfect for a light lunch or a side at your next barbecue. The smoothness of the avocados blends beautifully with the pasta, making it a delightful vegetarian option that even non-vegetarians will love. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the sunshine. Trust me, this salad is a must-try for any occasion!
Ingredients for Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad
Gather these simple ingredients to create your creamy avocado pasta salad. You’ll need 8 ounces of your favorite pasta—whole grain is a fantastic choice for added fiber. Grab 2 ripe avocados; make sure they’re soft to the touch for that creamy texture. For a pop of color and flavor, have 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved, and 1/2 cup of diced red onion ready. Don’t forget 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley for that herby freshness! To bring it all together, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and just a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. That’s it—let’s get mixing!
How to Prepare Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad
Making this creamy avocado pasta salad is a breeze! First, let’s get that pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once done, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Cooking the Pasta
For perfect pasta, use about 4 quarts of water and add a good pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Set a timer for 8-10 minutes, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Preparing the Avocado Mixture
While the pasta cooks, grab a bowl and mash the 2 ripe avocados until smooth. Then, mix in the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This creamy base is where all the magic happens—make sure it’s well combined!
Combining Ingredients
Once your pasta is cool, toss it into the bowl with the avocado mixture along with the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Mixing well is key here—make sure every pasta piece is coated in that creamy goodness. Serve right away or chill for a bit to let those flavors meld!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this creamy avocado pasta salad is packed with goodness! You’ll enjoy about 300 calories, with 15 grams of fat, 7 grams of protein, and 35 grams of carbohydrates. Plus, it contains 6 grams of fiber, making it a satisfying choice. Remember, these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust as needed for your nutritional preferences!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to prepare—perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Fresh, vibrant flavors that scream summer in every bite.
- Nutritious and filling, packed with healthy fats from avocados.
- Customizable to your taste—add your favorite veggies!
- Serves beautifully as a main dish or a side at gatherings.
- Totally vegetarian, making it a great option for everyone!
Tips for Success
To make sure your creamy avocado pasta salad is a hit, here are a few pro tips! First, if you’re making this salad ahead of time, squeeze a little extra lemon juice on the avocados to prevent browning. Also, be sure to serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. If you want to add even more crunch, toss in some toasted nuts or seeds. And remember, don’t skip the tossing—it’s key to getting that creamy goodness all over the pasta!
Variations of Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad
One of the best things about this creamy avocado pasta salad is how adaptable it is! Feel free to mix in some diced bell peppers for a crunchy texture, or add cucumbers for a refreshing twist. If you’re a fan of spice, try tossing in some jalapeños or red pepper flakes! You can also play with herbs—basil or cilantro can add a wonderful burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your creamy avocado pasta salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Now, as for reheating, this salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I recommend enjoying it straight from the fridge. If it does happen to brown a bit, a splash of lemon juice can help revive that gorgeous green color!
Serving Suggestions
This creamy avocado pasta salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes! Try serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost, or enjoy it with a fresh garden salad for a light meal. It’s also fantastic as a side dish at barbecues, complementing burgers or veggie skewers. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Creamy Chicken Pasta. If you’re looking for a refreshing salad, you might enjoy this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad.
Print
Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad: 5 Joyful Summer Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and creamy pasta salad made with avocado.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a bowl, mash the avocados.
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the avocados.
- Mix in the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
- Combine the pasta with the avocado mixture.
- Toss well to coat.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use whole grain pasta for added fiber.
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad
