There is something truly irresistible about this Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe that makes it a standout at any meal. It combines fresh, vibrant flavors with a wonderful, silky texture that only ripe avocados can provide. The bright lemon juice and baby spinach add freshness and depth while the rotini pasta soaks up the luscious avocado dressing perfectly. Whether served as a light lunch or a colorful side, this dish brings together creamy, crisp, and tangy notes in every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe, the ingredient list is refreshingly simple yet packed with essential items that contribute to its unique flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the creamy avocados creating that signature dressing to the vibrant baby tomatoes adding a pop of color.
- Fresh baby spinach (3 oz / 4 cups lightly packed): Provides a mild, fresh green flavor and increases nutrition.
- Lemon juice (4 Tbsp): Adds bright acidity to balance the creamy avocado and prevents browning.
- Garlic clove (1, sliced): Infuses subtle, aromatic depth into the dressing.
- Avocados (3 medium): Two for the luscious dressing, one diced for texture and creaminess in the salad.
- Rotini pasta (12 oz): Spiraled shape holds onto the creamy dressing beautifully.
- Frozen sweet peas (1 cup): Adds a sweet burst of freshness and pops of green.
- Frozen corn (1 cup): Lends natural sweetness and a tender crunch.
- Baby tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Bring juicy, vibrant color and acidity.
- Sea salt (1 tsp, or to taste): Enhances all the savory flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp, or to taste): Adds gentle warmth and a hint of spice.
How to Make Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta and Veggies to Perfection
Start by boiling your rotini pasta according to the package instructions, but with a little twist: add frozen peas and corn in the final minutes so they become beautifully crisp-tender without losing their freshness. This trick ensures your salad has wonderful texture and vibrant color. Once cooked, rinse everything under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down, then drain and place it in a large bowl—this will be the base of your salad.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Avocado Dressing
Next, the magic begins in your blender or food processor. Combine half of the fresh spinach, two quartered avocados, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sliced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture starts blending, then add the remaining spinach and continue processing until you get a luxuriously creamy and smooth dressing. This step transforms simple ingredients into a rich, velvety coating for your pasta.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
Pour the creamy avocado dressing over your cooled pasta and veggies, then add the halved baby tomatoes and the remaining sliced avocado. Gently toss everything until every piece is generously coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. The result is a salad bursting with fresh, creamy, and colorful flavors that are perfectly balanced.
How to Serve Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish and added bursts of flavor, consider garnishing your salad with fresh chopped herbs like basil or cilantro, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch, or a dusting of grated Parmesan. These little touches elevate the salad and make each bite even more exciting.
Side Dishes
This creamy avocado pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a simple crusty bread to soak up the vibrant avocado dressing. Its fresh flavors can also complement spicier mains or add a wholesome balance to a BBQ spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in hollowed-out avocado shells for a fun, Instagram-worthy presentation, or layer it in a clear glass jar for a portable, colorful lunch. You can also serve it chilled over a bed of baby greens for an elegant yet casual appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To maintain maximum creaminess and prevent browning, gently fold the salad before serving again and add a splash of lemon juice if needed to brighten the flavors.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe because the texture of avocado and fresh veggies will degrade, resulting in a less appealing consistency.
Reheating
Since this dish is best served chilled, reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer, allow the salad to come to room temperature before serving, but enjoy it cool to best savor the creamy avocado dressing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding creamy dressings, penne, farfalle, or fusilli also work wonderfully in this salad.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
You can substitute fresh baby spinach with baby kale or arugula for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.
How can I keep the avocado from browning?
Using fresh lemon juice in the dressing helps prevent browning, and storing the salad in an airtight container minimizes exposure to air, preserving its bright green color.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! This salad is completely plant-based, making it a fantastic option for vegans and those looking for dairy-free dishes.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the dressing a day ahead and store it separately, but it’s best to toss everything together just before serving to keep textures fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s fresh, creamy, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute keeper. It’s easy to whip up, bursting with color and flavor, and perfect to share with family and friends any day of the week. Trust me, once you try it, this salad will become one of your go-to favorites!
Print
Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad is a vibrant, healthy dish perfect for a light lunch or a side at your next gathering. Featuring fresh baby spinach, sweet peas, corn, and ripe avocados blended into a luscious dressing, this rotini pasta salad offers a refreshing twist on classic creamy pasta salads with wholesome, nutrient-packed ingredients.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 oz fresh baby spinach (about 4 cups lightly packed)
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup frozen sweet peas (half of a 10 oz bag)
- 1 cup frozen corn (half of a 10 oz bag)
- 2 cups baby tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 medium avocados, quartered
- 4 Tbsp lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
- 1 garlic clove, sliced
- 1.5 oz fresh baby spinach (half of the 3 oz total for salad and dressing)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Vegetables: Cook 12 oz of rotini pasta in 4 quarts of boiling water with 1 tablespoon of salt, following package instructions for about 10 minutes. Approximately 4 minutes before the pasta is done, add 1 cup of frozen sweet peas and 1 cup frozen corn to the boiling water. Cook together until veggies are crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water to cool. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Avocado Dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine half (1.5 oz) of the baby spinach, 2 quartered avocados, 4 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 sliced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Pulse until ingredients are blended, then add the remaining spinach and blend again until the dressing is creamy and smooth.
- Toss Salad: Add the creamy avocado dressing to the large bowl with the pasta and vegetables. Add the halved baby tomatoes and the remaining sliced avocado. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as desired.
Notes
- For best texture, chill pasta and vegetables after cooking to prevent the avocado dressing from browning quickly.
- Use ripe but firm avocados to ensure a creamy dressing without bitterness.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor and helps prevent avocado discoloration.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day; avocado dressing may darken over time.
- Feel free to add toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs like basil for extra flavor and texture.
