When the sun is shining and appetites are light, there’s no better way to satisfy your cravings than with a refreshing, creamy, and nutritious Avocado Cold Pasta Salad. This dish combines the silky richness of ripe avocados, the satisfying chew of perfectly cooked pasta, and a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs—all tossed together in a tangy, zesty dressing that will make your taste buds dance.
Whether you're planning a picnic, prepping for a summer BBQ, or looking for a healthy weekday lunch option, this cold pasta salad is the ultimate go-to. It’s vegetarian, can be made vegan, and is a delicious alternative to mayonnaise-heavy salads.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Avocado Pasta Salad
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Packed with flavor and texture—creamy, crunchy, tangy, and fresh
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Loaded with nutrients from avocados, veggies, and herbs
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Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
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Perfect as a main or side dish
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Ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or warm weather gatherings
Ingredients for the Perfect Avocado Cold Pasta Salad
For the Salad Base:
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8 oz (225g) pasta (rotini, bow tie, penne, or fusilli work best)
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2 ripe avocados, peeled and diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup cucumber, diced
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½ cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
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¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
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½ cup feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese (optional for extra richness)
For the Creamy Avocado Dressing:
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1 ripe avocado
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2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or use dairy-free yogurt for vegan option)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: a pinch of red chili flakes for heat or honey for sweetness
How to Make Avocado Cold Pasta Salad
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Creamy Avocado Dressing
In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Chop and Prep the Veggies
Dice the avocados, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the cucumber and herbs. Drain the corn if using canned.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, herbs, and cheese (if using). Add the dressing and gently toss everything together until well coated.
5. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to cool completely. Serve cold, garnished with extra herbs or a wedge of lemon if desired.
Variations to Make It Your Own
Make It Vegan:
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Swap out the Greek yogurt with a plant-based version
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Omit the cheese or use vegan feta alternatives
Add Protein:
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Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or black beans
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Add cooked shrimp or tuna for a seafood twist
Flavor Boosters:
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Add kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers
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Sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch
Spicy Kick:
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Blend a jalapeño or chili into the dressing for a spicy avocado crema
Tips for the Best Avocado Pasta Salad
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Use ripe avocados for a creamy dressing and better texture
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Don't overcook the pasta—al dente is key
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Chill before serving to enhance the flavors and texture
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Add a splash of lemon or lime just before serving to brighten flavors and prevent browning
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avocados may brown slightly, but the lemon juice in the dressing helps slow this down.
Make-Ahead:
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You can prepare the pasta and chop the veggies a day in advance
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Make the dressing fresh before serving for best results
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 9g
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Fat: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fiber: 6g
Note: These values vary depending on exact ingredients and serving size.
Perfect Pairings for Your Avocado Cold Pasta Salad
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Grilled chicken or salmon
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Iced herbal tea or lemonade
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Fresh fruit skewers
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Garlic bread or toasted pita wedges
This versatile salad complements almost any meal and can easily stand on its own.
Final Thoughts
With its vibrant colors, creamy textures, and refreshing flavors, this Avocado Cold Pasta Salad is a must-have for any warm-weather table. It’s light yet satisfying, incredibly easy to throw together, and bursting with wholesome goodness. Whether you’re prepping a quick lunch or feeding a crowd, this recipe guarantees rave reviews and empty bowls.
