Guacamole Pasta Salad is the ultimate way to turn summer produce into something fresh, vibrant, and ridiculously delicious. This creamy avocado pasta salad features al-dente pasta in a velvety, creamy texture of avocado, while juicy tomatoes and zesty lime bring all the fresh ingredients together in one perfect bowl.
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The Best Pasta Salad Without Mayo
Unfortunately, we cannot take any credit for this easy pasta salad recipe. We have based it almost entirely on the Guacaroni recipe from BOSH!, which you can find in their first vegan cookbook with the same name (highly recommended, by the way).
Ever since we first made it for a picnic in Snowdonia, this salad has become an office lunch staple for Seb. Easy to make, pack this salad in lunch boxes and then eat at your desk!
This healthy Pasta Salad is both filling and nutritious. Made with guacamole instead of mayo-based dressing, this pasta salad is as creamy as you'd like and has strong flavours of zingy lime and sweet tomatoes.
We made this Avocado Pasta Salad with penne, but the original recipe calls for macaroni. You can use any other pasta shape you fancy though - the wow factor is in the guacamole dressing!
Ingredients and Substitutes
Here are all the simple ingredients you will need to make this Guacamole Pasta Salad:
- pasta: we used penne, but macaroni, rigatoni or farfalle pasta will work well. Use whole wheat pasta for more fibre or gluten-free pasta (or chickpea pasta) if you wish.
- ripe avocadoes: you will need 2 large or 3 smaller ones.
- fresh lime juice: may be replaced with fresh lemon juice.
- olive oil: extra virgin.
- garlic powder: if you only have a garlic clove, use a very small amount.
- red onion: may be replaced with green onion (spring onion).
- red chilli: or dried chilli flakes.
- cherry tomatoes: or chopped-up salad or grape tomatoes.
- fresh coriander: also known as fresh cilantro.
- a handful of spinach or shredded lettuce: to serve.
Feel free to experiment, and add more veggies and herbs: crisp cucumbers, chopped bell peppers, fresh dill and fresh basil all work beautifully in this creamy pasta salad.
Find ingredient quantities, detailed instructions and nutritional information in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Step-By-Step Method
1. Cook pasta following the package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Drain, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and leave to cool down slightly.
2. Chop red onion and red chilli very finely (we deseed the chilli first for milder flavour in this recipe). Alternatively, use ½-1 teaspoon of chilli flakes. Quarter cherry tomatoes (or baby plum tomatoes).
3. To make the avocado dressing, destone the ripe avocados, squeeze lime all over them and mash well with a fork in a large bowl. Alternatively, blitz it in a food processor if you like a smooth and creamy avocado dressing. If you like it chunkier, deliberately leave some chunks of avocado unmashed.
4. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, chopped red onion, chilli and tomatoes. Season with salt and black pepper and mix to combine.
5. Add your pasta and mix well to coat. Serve on a bed of spinach or shredded lettuce.
Serving Suggestions
This Guacamole Pasta Salad is a star on its own as a main dish, but it also works brilliantly as a delicious side dish.
It's the perfect side dish for summer BBQs, pairing beautifully with smoky flavours. Serve it alongside BBQ pork fillet or grilled chicken thighs for a fresh, creamy contrast to charred, juicy meats.
Storage & Leftovers
Thanks to the lime juice, the avocado dressing in this avocado salad stays green and fresh, so you can store leftovers without worrying about it turning brown. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will last for 4-5 days-perfect for meal prep!
The only downside? The pasta will soak up some of the moisture, making it softer and the salad less creamy over time. But hey, it's still a great recipe for make-ahead meals!
Reader Review
"Made this one for lunch today and I have to say it really exceeded my expectations! Well done Ieva and Seb it is 10 out of 10!:)"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
More Recipes To Try Next Time
If you liked this Avocado Pasta Salad recipe, you may like our other vegan and vegetarian pasta dishes, including:
- Easy Lentil 'Meatballs' and Spaghetti (Vegan)
- Tagliatelle with Feta, Broccoli and Fried Lemon (Vegetarian)
- Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Garlicky Kale (Vegetarian)
Guacamole Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 200 g (7 oz) pasta penne, macaroni or rigatoni
- 2 large ripe avocados or 3 smaller ones
- 1 large lime juice only
- 2 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ red onion finely chopped
- 1 red chilli deseeded, finely chopped
- 16 cherry tomatoes quartered
- 10 g (⅔ cups) fresh coriander chopped, including stalks
- a handful of spinach or shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Cook your pasta following packet instructions in salted water. Drain, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and leave to cool down slightly.
- To make the avocado dressing, destone the ripe avocados, squeeze lime all over them and mash well with a fork in a large mixing bowl.
- Add a tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, chopped red onion, chilli and cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and mix to combine.
- Add your pasta and mix well to coat. Serve on a bed of spinach or shredded lettuce.
Nutrition
Ieva Ture says
Made this one for lunch today and I have to say it really exceeded my expectations! Well done Ieva and Seb it is 10 out of 10!:)
Ieva says
Can't take much credit for this one, but it's certainly one of our favourites! 🙂