Avocado Pasta Salad
This Avocado Pasta Salad is a fresh and creamy pasta salad recipe made with tender bowtie pasta, ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, crispy bacon pieces, and a simple lemon and olive oil dressing.
WANT TO SAVE THIS FOR LATER?
We'll email it to you - along with our free printable party planner!
It’s one of my favorite pasta salad recipes to serve during the warmer months. It’s perfect for summer BBQs, family gatherings, potlucks, picnics, and casual lunches (and they make an easy side dish too).
If you don’t like the pasta or for another version, go with this Avocado Salad with Lemon Dressing.
How to Make Avocado Pasta Salad
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Dice the avocado and tomato, then chop the basil. Set aside.
2. Cook the noodles in a large pot according to package directions, then drain in a colander in the sink. Run under cold water for a few minutes to cool.
3. Add the cooked noodles, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and pepper to a large bowl. Toss to combine.
4. Fold in the avocado, tomato, basil, and bacon pieces.
5. Cover and chill for 1 hour or until ready to serve.
6. Toss before serving, then top with parmesan.
Serve & Enjoy!
Important Recipe Notes
- Choose ripe but firm avocados for the best texture. Overripe avocados can become mushy when mixed with the pasta.
- Cool the pasta completely before adding the avocado and vegetables to keep everything fresh and prevent the avocado from breaking down.
- Fresh lemon juice helps slow the browning of the avocado and adds a bright, fresh flavor.
- Stir the salad gently when combining the ingredients so the avocado pieces stay intact.
- For the best flavor, chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
- If making ahead, consider adding the avocado just before serving to keep it looking fresh.
- Taste and adjust the salt and pepper after chilling, as the flavors develop while the salad rests.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Give the salad a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese provides the best flavor, but pre-shredded parmesan can be used for convenience.
Avocado Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta noodles
- 2 avocados peeled and diced
- 2 roma tomatoes diced
- ¼ cup fresh chopped basil
- ¼ cup bacon pieces
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3-4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Dice the avocado and tomato, then chop the basil. Set aside.
- Cook the noodles in a large pot according to package directions, then drain in a colander in the sink. Run under cold water for a few minutes to cool.
- Add the cooked noodles, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and pepper to a large bowl. Toss to combine.
- Fold in the avocado, tomato, basil, and bacon pieces.
- Cover and chill for 1 hour or until ready to serve.
- Toss before serving, then top with parmesan.
