This Avocado Pasta Salad is a refreshing combination of creamy avocados, crisp vegetables, and a tangy lime dressing. Perfect for a light meal or as a side dish, this salad is bursting with fresh flavors and is ready in just 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under half an hour, making it perfect for busy days.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from avocado.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to include your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for summer barbecues, picnics, or a quick weekday lunch.
- Vibrant Flavors: A zesty lime dressing ties everything together beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional, crumbled)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (approximately 8-10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to drain completely and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar (if using), garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using) until fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and fresh cilantro.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional)
- If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and toss lightly.
Step 5: Serve
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving for enhanced flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier salad.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheese Swap: Use goat cheese or Parmesan instead of feta.
- Herbal Twist: Substitute cilantro with basil or parsley for a different flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended as the avocados may brown.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but add the avocados and dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini, penne, or shells work well in this recipe.
3. What can I substitute for cilantro?
Use parsley, basil, or omit herbs entirely if preferred.
4. How do I prevent the avocados from browning?
Toss the diced avocados in a bit of lime juice before adding them to the salad.
5. Can I skip the cheese?
Yes, the salad is delicious even without the feta.
6. What pairs well with this pasta salad?
Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or as a stand-alone dish with crusty bread.
7. Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, omit the feta cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
8. Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
9. How do I make the salad creamier?
Mash half an avocado into the dressing for an extra creamy texture.
10. What other veggies can I add?
Try adding bell peppers, spinach, or shredded carrots for more variety.
Conclusion
Avocado Pasta Salad is a refreshing and versatile dish that combines creamy avocados, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing for an unbeatable flavor. Perfect for light meals, potlucks, or as a side, it’s an easy and healthy recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Serve it fresh and enjoy!
Print
Avocado Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Vegetarian / Healthy
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Avocado Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or meal prep, this salad is a quick, healthy, and delicious addition to your menu.
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional, crumbled)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
SEO-Optimized Description
This Avocado Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or meal prep, this salad is a quick, healthy, and delicious addition to your menu.
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional, crumbled)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente (8–10 minutes).
- Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
2. Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar (if using), garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Mix until well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and chopped cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly.
4. Add Cheese (Optional)
- Sprinkle feta cheese over the salad and toss lightly, if desired.
5. Serve
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Make It Vegan: Omit the feta cheese or use plant-based feta.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling meal.
- Storage Tip: Best served fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
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