Here is a full detailed, beautifully structured recipe for Tomato Avocado Pasta Salad — including description, prep/cook time, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, serving tips, storage info, and a Q&A section
Tomato Avocado Pasta Salad
A refreshing, vibrant, and creamy summer-style pasta salad that’s ready in minutes. Juicy cherry tomatoes, buttery avocado, tender pasta, and a zesty garlic-lemon dressing come together to create a light yet satisfying dish. Perfect for lunches, picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight mealTime Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minute
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Salad
2 cups cooked pasta (fusilli, bowtie, or penne)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large ripe avocado, diced
1 small cucumber, diced (optional but adds crunch)
¼ cup red onion, thinly slice
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped or torn
¼ cup feta cheese or mozzarella pearls (optional)
For the Dressin
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice or white wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp dijon mustard (optional for depth
Salt & black pepper to taste
½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta
Step Prepare the Veggies
1. Halve cherry tomatoes
2. Dice the avocado (do this last so it stays fresh)
3. Slice onion thinly
4. Chop fresh basil leaves
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Minced garlic
Dijon mustard
Dried oregan
Salt & pepprt
Tasrte and adjust acidity or salt
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
1. Add pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion to a large bowl
2. Pour the dressing and toss well
3. Gently fold in the diced avocado and fresh basi
4. Add feta or mozzarella if using
5. Serve immediately or chill for 20 minutes
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled for best flavor
Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or a simple soup
Drizzle extra olive oil before serving for shine
Storage Tips
Best eaten fresh, because avocado browns
To store for up to 24 hours, toss avocado in lemon juice before mixing
Store in an airtight container in the fridg
Question & Answer Section
Q1: Can I make it ahead of time
Yes — but add the avocado right before serving to prevent browning
Q2: What pasta shape works best
Short pastas like penne, bowtie, fusilli, or rotini hold dressing well
Q3: Can I make it vegan
Absolutely! Just skip the cheese or replace with vegan feta
Q4: Can I add protein
Yes — grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or boiled eggs work great
Q5: How do I make it creamier
Add 1–2 tablespoons of
Geek yogurt
Mayo
Mashed