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Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Creamy avocado pasta salad recipe with fusilli, tomatoes, corn, and red onion.

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This vibrant pasta salad features a luxuriously creamy, no-mayo dressing made from ripe avocado, fresh basil, and Greek yogurt. It comes together quickly with fresh corn, tomatoes, and red onion for a satisfying meal or side dish that is both indulgent and nourishing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound short pasta (like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle)
  • 2 large, ripe avocados
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears, or thawed frozen corn)
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely diced

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water. Let it drain well.
  2. While the pasta cooks, make the avocado dressing. Add the avocado flesh, basil, Greek yogurt, Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, a big pinch of salt, and several grinds of pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, corn, and red onion.
  4. Pour the creamy avocado dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
  5. Serve immediately, or cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Notes

For the best color and freshest taste, enjoy this salad the day it is made. The lemon juice in the dressing helps prevent browning. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free yogurt and omit the Parmesan. Soak the diced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its bite if desired.

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