Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad is loaded with diced California Avocados, plump tomatoes, crispy bacon and fresh basil all tossed with a creamy avocado ranch dressing!

A bowl of salad, with pasta, avocado and tomatoes
pinterestCreamy Avocado Pasta Salad is perfect for bringing to potlucks and parties! It’s always a hit!

One of the fantastic perks of being a California Avocado Ambassador is when my monthly shipment of California Avocados arrive at my door. This past year I have gotten a new delivery guy, and apparently out of all the packages he brings to my door he has taken notice of the avocados.

Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Did you know that California produces approximately 90% of the nation’s avocado crop?

But seriously people, this Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad is divine. The dressing is a combination of ranch and fresh avocado. I squeezed just a bit of lime juice in there to give it the perfect zip. Then I diced up even more avocado and tossed it in the salad. The crispy bacon crumbles in there give it just the right amount of crunch and smokiness.

I served this salad with some ribs and a side of grilled corn on the cob. Everyone absolutely enjoyed it, and practically licked their plates clean.
Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Go grab some California Avocados and dig in!

Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad
Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad is loaded with diced California Avocados, plump tomatoes, crispy bacon and fresh basil all tossed with a creamy avocado ranch dressing!

Ingredients

16 oz large shell pasta
1 California Avocado, diced
1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
6 strips thick cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh basil, ribboned
For the Dressing:
1 cup ranch dressing
2 California Avocado
1 lime, juice of
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions
Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Once tender drain the pasta and run cold water throughout to cool the pasta down. Place in a large bowl.
To prepare the dressing add all the dressing ingredients to a blender and process until smooth. Pour over the cooled pasta and toss to coat.
Fold in the diced avocado, grape tomatoes, bacon, and basil. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 742kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 784mg | Potassium: 689mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 517IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 2mg