Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe

This Avocado Pasta Salad is a fresh, creamy, and healthy dish perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a quick lunch. Packed with vibrant vegetables, flavorful avocado dressing, and al dente pasta, it’s a wholesome meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 3 cups cooked pasta (bowtie, penne, or fusilli)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

For the Dressing:

• 1 avocado
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt for a dairy-free option)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta)
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, olive oil, lime juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, and parsley.
2. Gently fold in the avocado slices.

Step 4: Add the Dressing

1. Pour the avocado dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
2. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes for a cooler, refreshing salad.

Tips for Success

1. Use Ripe Avocados: Choose avocados that are soft but not mushy for the best creamy texture.
2. Customize the Veggies: Add cucumbers, bell peppers, or spinach for extra crunch and color.
3. Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill for 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavors.
4. Make Ahead: Keep the dressing and salad components separate until ready to serve to prevent the avocado from browning.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 3g

Conclusion

This Avocado Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of creamy avocado, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta. Easy to customize and packed with nutrients, it’s a go-to recipe for any occasion. Serve it as a side dish or a standalone meal and enjoy its refreshing flavors!