Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
This Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad is a light, refreshing, and easy dish that’s perfect for lunch, picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners. Tossed with a creamy avocado dressing, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, this colorful salad is bursting with fresh flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes.Whether you serve it as a side or a main dish, this pasta salad is a creamy, herby, and satisfying favorite that everyone will love. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and easy to customize!
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 8 oz (about 2½ cups) short pasta (rotini, penne, or bow ties)
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- ½ cup fresh mozzarella balls or crumbled feta (optional)
For the avocado dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or lime juice)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin if needed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Make the Dressing:In a blender or food processor, blend avocado, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Add water as needed for desired consistency.
- Combine the Ingredients:In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, basil, and any extras like cheese or onion.
- Toss with Dressing:Pour the avocado dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Taste and Serve:Adjust seasoning if needed. Chill for 10–15 minutes or serve immediately.