Dinner

Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe

ByEthan Lark October 23, 2025October 23, 2025

Introduction

This creamy avocado pasta salad is a refreshing and healthy twist on a classic dish. Packed with fresh vegetables and a smooth avocado dressing, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a summer side. Quick to make and full of vibrant flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

A large white bowl contains a colorful pasta salad arranged in clear sections: at the bottom right, there is a layer of light yellow cooked tagliatelle pasta forming a soft, rolled texture; next to it, halved bright red cherry tomatoes add a fresh, juicy look; purple sliced onions lay beside the tomatoes, adding thin, curved shapes; green slices of cucumber with dark skin and pale centers make up another layer; small, round yellow cherry tomatoes create a bright splash of color; dollops of creamy green guacamole with some texture are spread over part of the salad; sprinkled on top is crumbled white feta cheese, with some black pepper visible; wooden tongs held by a woman's hand are picking some of the salad, adding a natural wooden tone to the image; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups fusilli pasta (cooked and drained)
1 ripe avocado (diced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
½ cup cucumber (diced)
¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
½ cup feta cheese (crumbled, optional)
2 tbsp fresh cilantro or basil (chopped)
1 large avocado (mashed)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 clove garlic (minced)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Chop the ripe avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the red onion thinly, and finely chop the fresh cilantro or basil.
Step 3: In a blender or food processor, combine the mashed avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy to create the dressing.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the chopped avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese if using.
Step 5: Pour the creamy avocado dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 6: Garnish with extra fresh cilantro or basil on top and serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use gluten-free pasta if you prefer a gluten-free option.
Add cooked chicken or shrimp to make this salad a more filling meal.
Swap the feta cheese for goat cheese or omit cheese for a dairy-free dish.
For extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds before serving.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado dressing may darken slightly over time, so stir well before serving. This salad is best enjoyed fresh and cold for optimal taste and texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a colorful layered salad. The first layer is light yellow cooked pasta at the bottom, topped with slices of bright red cherry tomatoes on the right side. Next, there are cut slices of cucumber with dark green skin and pale green centers arranged towards the left. In the center, there is a chunky green guacamole layer with white crumbled cheese sprinkled on top along with some black pepper. Thin slices of light purple onion are placed near the top right. A woman's hand holding wooden tongs is picking up some of the salad from the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead, but it’s best to keep the avocado dressing and salad separate until just before serving to prevent browning. Keep the salad refrigerated and combine before eating.

What can I substitute for fresh herbs in this recipe?

If you don’t have fresh cilantro or basil, dried herbs can be used sparingly, or you can try fresh parsley or mint for a different but pleasant flavor.