Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that screams fresh and vibrant, you’ve got to try my Pasta Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing! It’s like a burst of sunshine in every bite. This salad is not just refreshing; it’s also vegan and super easy to whip up, making it the perfect choice for a quick lunch or a lively picnic. The creamy avocado dressing is so rich and flavorful, you won’t believe it only takes a few simple ingredients. Trust me, once you toss that perfectly cooked pasta with the zesty dressing, cherry tomatoes, and sweet corn, you’ll have a colorful, delicious meal that everyone will love. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will brighten up any table!
Ingredients for Pasta Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing
- 8 oz of your favorite pasta (I love using fusilli for its fun shape!)
- 1 ripe avocado, perfectly creamy and ready to be mashed
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (make sure it’s fresh for that zesty kick!)
- 2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed for that bright flavor
- 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin if you can, for rich taste
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (they add such a lovely sweetness!)
- 1/2 cup corn, cooked (frozen or fresh works great here)
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced (for a little crunch and zing)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy, season it well!)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is best!)
How to Prepare Pasta Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt – it really brings out the flavor of the pasta. Toss in 8 oz of your favorite pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. You want it to be firm to the bite, so don’t overdo it! Once it’s done, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside while we whip up that luscious dressing.
Making the Avocado Cilantro Dressing
Now for the star of the show: the avocado cilantro dressing! Grab your ripe avocado and scoop it into a blender. Add in the chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp of freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy – it should be like a dreamy green cloud! If it’s too thick, feel free to add a splash of water to loosen it up. Taste it, and adjust with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
Combining Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, cooked corn, and diced red onion. Pour that glorious avocado dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated. I like to use a spatula for this to avoid breaking up the pasta too much. It’s all about that creamy goodness wrapping around every piece!
Final Touches
Once everything is mixed, season with salt and pepper to taste. For the best flavor, I recommend chilling the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick stir and maybe add a few extra cilantro leaves on top for that lovely presentation. Enjoy your vibrant, refreshing Pasta Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to make, taking just about 25 minutes from start to finish!
- Packed with flavor, the creamy avocado cilantro dressing is a game-changer.
- Healthy ingredients like fresh veggies and whole grains make it a guilt-free choice.
- Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or picnics – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
- Vegan-friendly, so everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
- Customizable! Throw in your favorite veggies or proteins for a personal twist.
- Great for meal prep – it holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Pasta Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing turns out perfectly, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t overcook the pasta – you want it al dente for that perfect bite. A quick rinse under cold water not only stops the cooking but also prevents it from getting sticky. When making the dressing, make sure your avocado is ripe; a firm one won’t blend smoothly. If the dressing seems too thick, just a splash of water can work wonders! Also, remember to taste as you go; seasoning is key to bringing out all those vibrant flavors. Lastly, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to let all those delicious flavors meld together. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my Pasta Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing, you can feel good about what you’re eating! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup). Keep in mind that these are estimates, so your actual values might vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 6g
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats from the avocado and plenty of fiber from the veggies. What’s not to love?
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Pasta Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing is super easy! Just make sure to transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, but I recommend enjoying it within the first day for the best flavor and texture. The avocado dressing may darken a bit, but don’t worry, it still tastes amazing!
Now, if you’re thinking about reheating, I’d suggest enjoying it cold as it’s designed to be a refreshing salad. But if you really want to warm it up, do so gently in the microwave at low power, stirring occasionally to prevent it from getting too hot. Just remember, the creamy avocado won’t have the same texture when heated, so I say embrace that cool, creamy vibe!
FAQ about Pasta Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! I love making this salad a few hours or even a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge. This way, the flavors have time to mingle, and you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously tasty dish when you’re ready to serve!
What can I use instead of cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your thing, don’t worry! You can swap it out for fresh parsley or even basil for a different twist. Each herb brings its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite!
How long does the avocado dressing last?
The avocado dressing is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just a heads up, it might brown a bit, but a little stir will help bring it back to life!
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! If you’re looking to boost the protein, you can toss in some black beans, chickpeas, or even cooked quinoa. It’ll make this Pasta Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing even more filling and satisfying!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, just swap out the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety. There are so many great options out there these days that you won’t even miss the traditional stuff!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this vibrant Pasta Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve it with! This salad is super versatile and pairs beautifully with all sorts of dishes. If you’re aiming for a light meal, you can serve it alongside some grilled veggies or a refreshing cucumber salad. They complement the flavors and keep things fresh and light!
If you’re hosting a gathering, why not make it a full spread? I love serving this salad with some zesty grilled chicken or marinated tofu for a protein-packed addition. A side of crispy tortilla chips with fresh salsa or guacamole would also be fantastic for some crunch and extra flavor!
For a bit of indulgence, consider adding some warm, crusty bread or soft pita for those who want to scoop up every last bit of that creamy dressing. And if you’re feeling fancy, a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lime can really elevate the whole experience. Trust me, your guests will be raving about this delightful meal!
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Pasta Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing: 7 Flavorful Tips
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing pasta salad with a creamy avocado cilantro dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn, cooked
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a blender, combine avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, corn, and red onion.
- Pour the avocado dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use whole grain pasta for a healthier option.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Pasta Salad, Avocado, Cilantro, Dressing, Vegan Salad
