My Avocado pasta salad is packed with ripe chunks of delicious avocado, peppers, snow peas and tossed in a creamy Dijon dressing.

I have so many pasta salad recipes available on the blog, but that’s a good thing right? Usually, when summer appears that’s when the invites start coming at you for those warm summer backyard pool parties. and because pasta salads are really easy to put together they are the perfect thing to make! This Asian Chicken Pasta Salad is a favorite, but if you need something else a little less noodly, try my Tomato and Mozzarella with tons of fresh basil!

Tips for making the best pasta salad
- I always like to cook my pasta the night before I plan to eat it because it’s the most time-consuming part of making this pasta salad.
- Drain the pasta well and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Cover it with plastic wrap once cool and keep it in the fridge overnight.
- You can make the dressing a day ahead too but don’t add it until right before you eat, along with the rest of the veggies and avocado.
- I like to keep the types of pasta simple. No spaghetti twirling is needed here, I love using penne because it holds the dressing well.
- The star of the dish is the pasta so let’s keep it that way, add about 4-5 more ingredients but don’t overload the bowl.


There are so many epic ingredients actually in this avocado pasta salad, but the dressing is something else! Seriously, it’s a rich and creamy Dijon mustard base with honey and tarragon. You could also easily pair the dressing with a regular salad if you’re trying to cut down on the carbs, it’ll make anything taste amazing.
Trust me, this is your new go-to summer pasta salad!
This post was originally published on 07/02/13. The recipe and photographs were updated on 4/10/18

Avocado Dijon Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp dry tarragon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
For the salad
- 3 cups pasta penne uncooked
- 2 cups sugar snap peas cut in half
- 1/2 cup green onion chopped
- 1 red pepper diced
- 1 yellow pepper diced
- 2 tbsp parsley chopped
- 1-2 large ripe avocado cut into cubes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta as per instructions on the bag. Drain and cool.
- In small bowl, whisk together the oil, Dijon, honey, lemon juice, tarragon, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a larger bowl add the pasta, peas, green onion, both peppers, parsley, and avocado.
- Add the dressing to this mixture and toss gently until well coated, Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve chilled on a large platter or bowl.
How did you know, Gerry? This salad looks so good – love the dijon dressing!
This looks so fresh and summery…. I don’t think I can wait for tomorrow!
Amazingly awesome salad!! I love the flavors!
I think this might be my new favorite pasta salad and I haven’t even tried it yet. I just know I’m going to LOVE it. :) Happy Fourth, Gerry!
You too Steph :)
I love the idea of incorporating avocado into a pasta salad. Looks fab!
Thanks Lori, have a great fourth!
This would be great new salad to bring to the potluck tomorrow. Love the ample use of those avocadoes; so creamy and perfect. Good luck with the dog cone and potty training. Both are trying situations. But they are cute and worth it.
A very satisfying salad, Gerry.
Thanks Angie!!
Yum, looks fabulous, just can’t get enough avocados!
Love a no-fuss pasta salad! And this looks delicious. Happy 4th Gerry!
Love this ‘throw it all in a bowl’ salad. Love such easy to fix and good to eat kinda salads. It indeed looks fab and sounds delish too.
Bring on the avocado for “Fourthajuly”. GREG
This is a fantastic side for BBQ cookouts and I can’t wait to try it. This would be great with some tri tip.
This looks super flavorful and delicious :)
The best pasta salads always have avocados. Beautiful job :)
Wow! This looks amazing!!
i was first introduced to avacados by a friend in her health food store and i have beenusing them in sandwiches and salad. i recently got my husband toeat them and he is just addicted to the avacado as i am.
I love this pasta salad, Gerry! Everything about it!
Wow, that looks amazing. I never would have thought to do a light pasta salad with avocados and a dijon dressing. MMM.
Looking forward to trying this. How long should the avocados stay green once you cut them up, toss with dressing, and put in the fridge?
Hi Samara, I would add them as late as possible, avocados turn quickly if you don’t coat them with lemon juice :)
I love this pasta salad. I’ll make up a batch and have it a few days in a row for lunch – still looking forward to it on the last day as much as on the first. Really satisfying.
Thanks Christine, I love how it’s filling but not too heavy.
I am in love with this salad!
Fab salad! Please share this with the Food on Friday crowd over at Carole’s Chatter. Cheers
Cooking is an art. Thank you for your great recipes. It’ s so good.
oh, look this dish is so attractive, thank you for sharing.
Hi have u stir fry t sugar snap peas?
No they’re raw. Thanks
Great article. Always great to have some ice cream after tying the knot! Congratulations to you both.
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