When the weather gets warmer and you’re craving a refreshing and healthy dish that’s full of flavor, Avocado Cold Pasta Salad is the perfect choice. This dish is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also packed with creamy, rich avocado and crunchy, vibrant vegetables. It’s a dish that combines the best of fresh, wholesome ingredients, making it a great option for lunch, dinner, or even as a side at your next barbecue or picnic.
With creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this cold pasta salad will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a side dish to complement your main course, this Avocado Cold Pasta Salad checks all the boxes. It’s easy to customize and makes for an excellent make-ahead option that will stay fresh for days in the fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Avocado Cold Pasta Salad
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Creamy and refreshing: The avocado adds a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the crisp vegetables.
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Full of flavor: With a tangy, citrusy dressing, this salad is bursting with flavor in every bite.
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Quick and easy: It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require much preparation, making it ideal for busy days.
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Perfect for meal prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge, so you can make it in advance for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
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Versatile: You can customize the ingredients to your liking, adding your favorite vegetables, protein, or grains.
Ingredients for Avocado Cold Pasta Salad
To make this delicious salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the pasta salad:
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8 oz pasta (such as rotini, penne, or fusilli)
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2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cucumber, diced
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1/2 red onion, finely diced
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1/4 cup corn kernels (optional, but adds a nice crunch)
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1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional, but adds a tangy flavor)
For the dressing:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Cut the avocados into cubes, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion. If you’re using corn kernels, either thaw frozen corn or use fresh or canned corn, draining any excess liquid.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, avocados, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and corn kernels (if using). Add the fresh cilantro and crumbled feta cheese (optional) for extra flavor.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Make sure the avocado pieces don’t get mashed; you want them to stay intact for a creamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to marinate. This cold pasta salad is perfect to enjoy as a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
Tips and Variations for the Best Avocado Cold Pasta Salad
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Add Protein: If you want to turn this into a more filling meal, consider adding some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein.
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Use Gluten-Free Pasta: To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta.
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Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of jalapeño or a sprinkle of chili flakes to give the salad a spicy kick.
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Substitute the Dressing: If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can mix Greek yogurt with lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of cumin for a tangy, creamy option.
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Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or avocado to further enhance the flavor and texture.
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Make it Vegan: Omit the feta cheese to keep the salad vegan, and you can add some vegan cheese if you like.
Why This Avocado Cold Pasta Salad is Perfect for Any Occasion
Avocado Cold Pasta Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed during any season. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a BBQ, or a potluck, this salad always fits in perfectly. It’s a wonderful option for meal prepping because it stays fresh and flavorful for several days, making it great for lunches throughout the week. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the tangy lime dressing, and the crunchy vegetables add texture and freshness.
This salad is a great way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying the creamy goodness of avocado. It’s also a lighter alternative to traditional pasta salads that use heavier dressings, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing avocado cold pasta salad with:
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Grilled meats like chicken, steak, or salmon for a complete meal
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Fresh crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any extra dressing
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Chilled white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing drink pairing
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A fresh fruit salad for a light and sweet side dish
Final Thoughts
This Avocado Cold Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and fresh ingredients, making it an ideal dish for warm-weather meals, gatherings, or even as a light lunch. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or enjoying it on your own, this salad is sure to be a hit.
So, gather your ingredients, whip up this delicious cold pasta salad, and enjoy the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite!
