Looking for a fresh and delicious pasta salad recipe? This Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of creamy avocado, pasta, fresh veggies, and vibrant flavors. Made with rotini pasta, sweet peas, corn, baby tomatoes, and a creamy avocado dressing, this dish is both healthy and satisfying. It’s a perfect choice for a light lunch, picnic, or potluck!

This Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad is the ultimate combination of creamy, fresh, and nutritious ingredients. With smooth avocado dressing, crisp veggies, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying meal or side. It’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, making it an ideal choice for lunch, picnics, or potlucks!

Ingredients

3 oz fresh baby spinach (about 4 cups lightly packed)
4 Tbsp lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
1 garlic clove, sliced
3 medium avocados (2 for dressing, 1 for salad)
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 tsp sea salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta and Veggies:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. For the perfect texture, cook 12 oz of pasta in 4 quarts of water with 1 Tbsp of salt for about 10 minutes. About 4 minutes before the pasta is done, add the frozen peas and corn to the pot and cook until the veggies are crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Drain the pasta and veggies, then rinse under cold running water to chill them. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Prepare the Avocado Dressing:
In a food processor or blender, combine half of the spinach, 2 quartered avocados, lemon juice, sliced garlic, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Pulse until smooth. Then add the remaining spinach and blend until the dressing is creamy and well combined.
Assemble the Salad:
Pour the avocado dressing over the pasta and veggie mixture. Add the halved baby tomatoes and the remaining sliced avocado. Toss everything together until evenly coated, making sure all the ingredients are well mixed. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the creamy avocado pasta salad chilled and enjoy the refreshing, flavorful dish!

Tips

Chill the Pasta Salad: For an extra refreshing dish, refrigerate the pasta salad for 30 minutes before serving.
Fresh Avocados: Make sure your avocados are ripe for the creamiest dressing. If they’re too firm, the dressing may not blend smoothly.
Pasta Texture: If you want to avoid overcooked pasta, be sure to drain it as soon as it reaches al dente.

Variations and Substitutions

Pasta Shape: If you don’t have rotini, feel free to use other pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle.
Greens: Substitute baby spinach with arugula or mixed greens for a different flavor.
Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling meal.
Herbs and Seasonings: For extra flavor, toss in fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta salad a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. The avocado dressing may thicken slightly, so you can stir in a little extra lemon juice or olive oil before serving.

2. Can I use fresh peas and corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh peas and corn, just blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes until tender, then rinse under cold water to cool.

3. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado dressing may oxidize slightly, so it’s best to eat it within this time frame for optimal freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Main Course: Serve this creamy avocado pasta salad as a light main dish for lunch or dinner. Pair it with grilled chicken or a side of roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Side Dish: This salad is a great side dish for summer BBQs, picnics, or any casual gathering.
Wrap or Sandwich: Use the salad as a filling for a wrap or sandwich for a convenient, on-the-go meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This creamy avocado pasta salad comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or last-minute gatherings.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies, creamy avocados, and wholesome pasta, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
Versatile: Easily customizable with different veggies, herbs, and protein options, making it perfect for any dietary preference or occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich avocado dressing and colorful ingredients, this dish is sure to be a hit at any meal or social event.

Enjoy this Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad for a refreshing, healthy, and flavorful dish that everyone will love!