Description
When the weather’s warm and the last thing you want is a heavy, mayo-laden salad, this Avocado Pasta Salad with Spinach Pesto delivers everything you’re craving. Twisty pasta is coated in a luxuriously creamy avocado-spinach pesto, then tossed with juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and extra chunks of buttery avocado. It’s fresh, vibrant, naturally dairy-free, and comes together in about 20 minutes — perfect for picnics, BBQs, and fridge-friendly lunches.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
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12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
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1 large ripe avocado, divided
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup corn kernels (fresh, thawed frozen, or canned & drained)
Spinach Avocado Pesto
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½ cup fresh spinach leaves
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½ cup fresh cilantro (or basil or parsley)
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1 clove garlic
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Juice of 1 lime
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking. Let drain well. -
Make the pesto
In a blender or food processor, combine spinach, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and half of the avocado. Season with salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding 1–2 tablespoons of water or pasta water if needed. -
Assemble the salad
Transfer cooled pasta to a large bowl. Add tomatoes, corn, and remaining avocado, diced. Pour pesto over the top. -
Toss and taste
Gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed. -
Serve or chill
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve as a light main dish or hearty side
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Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or veggie burgers
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Finish with extra black pepper, herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving
Notes
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Toss diced avocado with a little lime juice to prevent browning
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Chill pasta completely before mixing to avoid sogginess
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Best enjoyed the day it’s made, but still tasty next day