Description
So, what exactly is Creamy Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad? At its core, it’s a chilled pasta dish featuring cooked pasta mixed with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red bell peppers, and red onions, all coated in a homemade creamy avocado ranch dressing. The dressing is the real hero here—made from ripe avocados blended with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, lime juice, and a blend of herbs and spices that give it that classic ranch flavor with a healthy twist. Optional add-ins like shredded cheese or fresh herbs elevate it further, making it customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
-
8 oz (about 2 cups) pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne work best)
-
1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
-
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
-
½ cup cucumber, diced
-
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
-
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
-
¼ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
-
2–3 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing:
-
1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
-
½ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
-
1 tablespoon lime juice
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
2–3 tablespoons milk or water (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
-
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
-
Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
-
-
Make the Dressing:
-
In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, Greek yogurt (or mayo), lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper.
-
Blend until smooth. Add milk or water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach a creamy, pourable consistency.
-
-
Combine Salad Ingredients:
-
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and cheese (if using).
-
-
Add Dressing:
-
Pour avocado ranch dressing over the pasta and veggies. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
-
-
Garnish and Serve:
-
Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top.
-
Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for best flavor, or serve immediately.
-
Notes
This rich and creamy pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick lunch. For added crunch and flavor, top with toasted nuts, crispy bacon bits, or fresh cherry tomatoes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad / Pasta
- Method: Boiling / Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: None
Keywords: Creamy Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad