Avocados are, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorite foods! They’re healthy, rich, and irresistibly creamy.

I love adding avocados to salads, spreading them on crackers, or making avocado toast for breakfast—something I enjoy multiple times a week! One of my go-to recipes is an Avocado Dressing & Dip. The velvety texture of avocados makes them a perfect substitute for mayonnaise, creating a dressing that’s both flavorful and smooth.

Now that summer is here, I’m all about meals that don’t require turning on the oven. Cold pasta salads are a perfect solution! They’re easy to prepare in advance, make for a well-rounded meal (packed with protein and veggies), and are a hit with the kids—especially before we dash out to soccer practice. Even better, any leftovers make for a quick and delicious lunch the next day (if we’re lucky enough to have some left!).

Avocado Pasta Salad Ingredients

This recipe combines my favorite avocado-based dressing with the ingredients I typically use for avocado toast, resulting in a flavor-packed dish! It features juicy, ripe tomatoes, crisp smoky bacon, fresh cilantro, a hint of green onion, and creamy diced avocados. The star of the show is the luscious avocado dressing—silky, flavorful, and utterly delightful. For a heartier meal, I often add chopped grilled or rotisserie chicken.

Avocados are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly nutritious. Their creamy texture comes from monounsaturated fats, which are considered healthy fats that can help lower cholesterol when eaten in moderation.

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Avocado Tips:

• Speed Up Ripening: Place avocados in a paper bag with ripe bananas. The ethylene gas released by the bananas will help the avocados ripen faster.
• Storage: Once ripe, avocados can be stored in the fridge for 4-6 days.
• Prevent Browning: To store a cut avocado, brush the exposed surface with lemon or lime juice, then wrap it in plastic before refrigerating. This helps slow down browning.
• Freezing: Have extra ripe avocados? Scoop out the flesh, add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice per avocado, puree in a blender, and freeze in a freezer bag. Defrosted avocado works wonderfully in recipes like this one or for guacamole.
• Skin Benefits: Don’t toss those avocado peels! Rub them on your elbows or heels to enjoy some of their natural skin-nourishing benefits.

“A creamy, refreshing pasta salad featuring ripe avocados, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for a light meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish!”

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Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or bow-tie)
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup sweet corn, cooked or canned (drained)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional, for a smoky flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing if needed)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain, rinse under cold water to cool, and set aside.

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Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 avocado, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, cumin (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.

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Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and corn.
2. Pour the avocado dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

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Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired.
2. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Refreshing: The avocado dressing is luscious and full of fresh flavors.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and veggies.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or potluck favorite.

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Pro Tips

1. Prevent Avocado Browning: Toss the diced avocado with a little lime or lemon juice before adding it to the salad.
2. Customize It: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
3. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Note that the avocado may darken slightly.

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This Avocado Pasta Salad is a vibrant, creamy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or meal-prepping for the week, it’s sure to impress! 🥑🍝✨