Easy Avocado Pasta Salad: A Creamy Summer Delight
Imagine creamy avocados blending perfectly with al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil—all tied together with a zesty lemon dressing. This Easy Avocado Pasta Salad is a vibrant, 20-minute recipe that will win over your taste buds with its fresh flavors and creamy textures. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or a picnic staple, this dish is proof that healthy can also be absolutely delicious.
Avocado pasta salad is an excellent way to combine wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients into a colorful bowl of flavor. This recipe shines thanks to its simplicity, quick preparation, and adaptability for various diets—all while delivering irresistible satisfaction. Read on to discover how to master this crowd-pleasing dish with tips, tricks, and exciting variations.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Creamy avocado adds a rich, buttery base, complemented by the tangy brightness of lemon and the savory kick of feta cheese.
- Texture: The mix of tender pasta, smooth avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onions creates a delightful blend of textures.
- Aroma: Fresh basil and garlic add an herbaceous fragrance that enhances this dish’s summery vibe.
- Visual Appeal: A colorful medley of green, red, and creamy white makes this salad as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat.
- Skill Level Needed: This recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring only basic slicing, whisking, and mixing skills.
- Special Equipment: A medium-sized pot, mixing bowls, and a potato masher or fork for the avocados.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Ideal for beginner cooks, this recipe features easy steps and minimal cooking. The most advanced task? Mashing an avocado!
- Category: Versatile enough to serve as a vegetarian main course, a light lunch, or a side dish for barbecues and potlucks.
- Cuisine: While rooted in modern American cuisine, this recipe draws inspiration from Mediterranean flavors with olive oil, lemon, and feta cheese.
- Cost: A budget-friendly dish, with all ingredients amounting to approximately $10-$15 depending on your choice of pasta and produce.
- Season: Best enjoyed during spring and summer when fresh tomatoes and avocados are in season.
- Occasion: Perfect for casual gatherings, summer picnics, or a quick weekday dinner fix.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This avocado pasta salad is the ultimate combination of taste and health. Its creamy avocado dressing transforms simple pasta into a luxurious treat, while the juicy tomatoes and tangy lemon brighten every bite. But it’s not just about flavor—this dish is quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins, the ingredients provide plenty of nutritional benefits. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or bringing this salad to a family barbecue, its blend of simplicity, taste, and visual appeal will leave everyone asking for seconds.
The Recipe
Easy Avocado Pasta Salad
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium-sized pot
- Mixing bowls
- Fork or potato masher
- Small whisk
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup (75 g) red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup (30 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Directions
- Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the dressing. Let it rest for the flavors to meld.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the avocados until mostly smooth but slightly chunky.
- Add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, and red onions to the avocado. Pour the dressing over the mix and toss gently until coated evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Swap rotini for gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- To keep avocados fresh in refrigerated leftovers, press plastic wrap directly over the salad’s surface.
Troubleshooting Guide
- Soggy Pasta: Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente and thoroughly rinsed under cold water to stop further cooking.
- Bland Salad: Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
- Brown Avocados: Use fresh lemon juice and toss immediately to prevent oxidation.
Join the Conversation
We’d love to hear how your avocado pasta salad turns out! Share your photos, feedback, and creative twists with us on Instagram using #AvocadoPastaLove or in the comments below. Let’s make this summer flavorful together! 🥑🍝
