Creamy Avocado Corn Rotini Pasta Salad

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 10 minutes

• Chilling time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 6

• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the pasta salad:

• 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta

• 2 ripe avocados, diced

• 1½ cups sweet corn kernels (cooked or drained canned corn)

• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• ½ cup diced cucumber (optional)

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

• Salt to taste

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the creamy dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta

1. Fill a large pot with water.

2. Add 1 teaspoon salt.

3. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

4. Add rotini pasta.

5. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8–10 minutes.

6. Drain the pasta.

7. Rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking.

8. Allow it to drain completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half.

2. Peel and dice the avocados into medium-sized cubes.

3. Thinly slice the red onion.

4. Drain the sweet corn if using canned corn.

5. Chop fresh cilantro.

6. Dice cucumber if using.

Set the ingredients aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

1. Mayonnaise.

2. Sour cream or Greek yogurt.

3. Fresh lime juice.

4. Olive oil.

5. Dijon mustard.

6. Minced garlic.

7. Garlic powder.

8. Onion powder.

9. Paprika.

10. Dried oregano.

11. Chopped cilantro.

12. Salt and black pepper.

Whisk everything until smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta

1. Place the cooled rotini in a large mixing bowl.

2. Add sweet corn.

3. Add cherry tomatoes.

4. Add sliced red onion.

5. Add diced cucumber if desired.

6. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta.

7. Gently toss until all the pasta is coated.

Step 5: Add the Avocado

1. Add diced avocado.

2. Sprinkle fresh cilantro.

3. Add shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

4. Gently fold everything together.

Avoid overmixing so the avocado maintains its shape.

Step 6: Chill the Salad

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.

2. Refrigerate for approximately 20 minutes.

3. Allow the flavors to blend.

4. Before serving, stir gently.

5. Add a little extra lime juice if needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta salad to a beautiful serving bowl.

Garnish with:

• Fresh cilantro.

• Extra sweet corn.

• Cherry tomato halves.

• Freshly ground black pepper.

• A squeeze of lime juice.

Serve chilled and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings with dressing and without optional cheese or cucumber.

Nut Information (Q/S)

Allergen information: This recipe contains wheat/gluten from regular pasta and dairy from sour cream or yogurt. Mayonnaise and mustard may contain additional allergens depending on the brand. No nuts are intentionally added. Check product labels for possible cross-contact warnings.

Helpful Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

1. Cook pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy.

2. Use ripe but firm avocados.

3. Add avocado shortly before serving to prevent browning.

4. Use fresh lime juice for a bright, refreshing flavor.

5. Chill the salad before serving for better flavor.

6. If the dressing becomes thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk.

7. For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.

8. For a spicy version, add chopped jalapeños.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Dressing: Keep separately for up to 3 days.

• Best results: Add avocado just before serving.

• Freezing: Not recommended because the avocado and creamy dressing may change texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Grilled chicken breast

• BBQ chicken

• Grilled shrimp

• Garlic bread

• Roasted vegetables

• Grilled fish

• Fresh lemonade

Final Result

A beautiful, creamy and refreshing rotini pasta salad filled with buttery avocado, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes and fresh herbs.

Every bite is creamy, tangy, slightly sweet and wonderfully satisfying. A perfect crowd-pleasing recipe for family meals, picnics and summer parties!