Easy 20-Minute Bacon Avocado Pasta Salad: Your Perfect Weeknight Meal

An effortlessly delicious, 20-minute recipe for bacon avocado pasta salad. Featuring tender fusilli pasta, juicy Roma tomatoes, crisp red onions, savory Parmesan cheese, smoky bacon, and creamy avocados, all tossed in a bright lemon and olive oil vinaigrette. This dish is absolutely perfect for busy weeknights!

There’s something truly magical about a dish that’s so incredibly flavorful and satisfying, yet comes together in a flash. This Bacon Avocado Pasta Salad is precisely that kind of culinary marvel. As I write this, I confess to sneaking spoonfuls straight from the refrigerator. Yesterday, it fueled my lunch, then made a glorious return for dinner. I even briefly considered it for breakfast – a notion quickly dismissed as wonderfully absurd, yet entirely tempting!

The allure of this salad is undeniable. Even while editing photos, the vibrant colors and enticing textures had me reaching for “just one more bite.” My sink is currently home to ten forks, each a testament to a failed attempt at self-control. Each time, I told myself that once the fork was in the sink, I wouldn’t go back for more. Did it work? Not once. And I have no regrets.

Beyond discovering the sheer delight of perfectly warm avocados (especially when perfectly paired with crispy bacon), this recipe taught me a crucial lesson: always buy more avocados than the recipe calls for. Seriously. Somehow, between the cutting board and the mixing bowl, a significant portion of those creamy green gems vanishes. It’s a mystery of the kitchen, but one I’m happy to embrace for the sake of deliciousness.

Why This Bacon Avocado Pasta Salad Will Be Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another pasta salad; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors. Imagine the creaminess of ripe avocado mingling with the salty crunch of bacon, the burst of fresh Roma tomatoes, the mild bite of red onion, and the vibrant notes of fresh parsley and basil. All of this goodness is brought together by a zesty lemon and olive oil vinaigrette that brightens every single component. How could you possibly go wrong with such a magnificent combination? Take a moment to truly appreciate the depth of flavor packed into every forkful.

My promise today is to deliver maximum flavor in just 20 minutes, from start to finish. And the best part? You really only need one pot for the cooking! To make this meal a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor, I’ve opted for turkey bacon, which crisps up beautifully. However, feel free to use regular bacon, vegetarian strips, or any other preference you might have. This truly sounds like a five-star dinner to me, and I think you’ll wholeheartedly agree once you try it.

The Art of Simplicity: Just Five Steps to Culinary Bliss

You might be surprised at how straightforward this incredible recipe is. There are truly only five simple steps to follow to bring this sensational pasta salad to life:

Boil Your Pasta: Get your fusilli perfectly al dente.
Cook Your Bacon: Achieve that irresistible crispy texture.
Chop Your Veggies: Prepare your fresh ingredients for mixing.
Make Your Vinaigrette: Whisk up the bright lemon and olive oil dressing.
Dive In!: Assemble and enjoy without delay.

I guarantee you that once assembled, this bacon avocado pasta salad will vanish from your bowl with astonishing speed. Its addictive qualities are a warning – be prepared for second and third servings!

Deconstructing the Deliciousness: Key Ingredients

Every great recipe relies on the quality and harmony of its components. Let’s delve into what makes each ingredient in this Bacon Avocado Pasta Salad play its part to perfection:

The Perfect Pasta Base: Fusilli

For this salad, fusilli pasta is an ideal choice. Its corkscrew shape isn’t just visually appealing; it’s perfectly designed to capture and hold onto every drop of the zesty vinaigrette and tiny bits of avocado and herbs. This ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. Cooking your pasta al dente is crucial here – you want it tender but still with a slight chew, preventing it from becoming soggy in the salad. You could also experiment with other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle if fusilli isn’t available, but the texture and sauce-holding capability of fusilli truly shine.

The Irresistible Crunch: Bacon

Bacon is undeniably one of the stars of this dish. Its smoky, salty, and utterly crispy texture provides a fantastic contrast to the creamy avocado and tender pasta. While I prefer turkey bacon for a slightly lighter option, which cooks up beautifully crisp, feel free to use regular pork bacon for that classic indulgence. For those looking for a plant-based alternative, vegetarian bacon strips work wonderfully too. The key is to cook it until it’s perfectly golden and crisp, then chop it into small pieces so that its flavor and texture are distributed throughout the salad.

The Creamy Heart: Avocado

Avocado brings a luxurious creaminess, healthy fats, and a mild, buttery flavor that rounds out the entire dish. When selecting avocados, look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure. For this salad, dicing the avocado just before adding it to the bowl ensures it retains its beautiful green color and firm texture. If you’re concerned about browning, a little extra lemon juice tossed with the avocado can help. And remember my earlier lesson: if the recipe calls for one, you might want two!

Freshness and Zest: Tomatoes, Onions, and Herbs

Roma tomatoes add a burst of sweet acidity and color. Their firm flesh holds up well in a pasta salad. Red onions contribute a mild, piquant crunch that cuts through the richness of the bacon and avocado, without overpowering the delicate flavors. Fresh parsley and basil are non-negotiable for this recipe. Parsley offers an earthy freshness, while basil, especially when chiffonaded (thinly sliced), provides a sweet, aromatic lift that truly elevates the salad. These herbs aren’t just garnishes; they are integral to the salad’s vibrant flavor profile.

The Tangy Dressing: Lemon and Olive Oil Vinaigrette

A simple, yet powerful, lemon and olive oil vinaigrette ties all these magnificent ingredients together. The fresh lemon juice provides a zesty brightness, cutting through the richness and making the entire salad feel incredibly fresh. Lemon zest amplifies this citrusy aroma. Good quality olive oil provides a smooth base, while a touch of garlic powder adds a subtle savory depth, and smoked paprika offers a hint of warmth and complexity. Salt and pepper are added to taste, allowing you to fine-tune the seasoning perfectly. This light and vibrant dressing ensures the salad feels refreshing, never heavy.

Tips for Mastering Your Bacon Avocado Pasta Salad

While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few expert tips can ensure your Bacon Avocado Pasta Salad turns out perfectly every time:

Al Dente Perfection: Always cook your pasta according to package directions, but aim for al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, especially when mixed with dressing.
Crispy Bacon is Key: Don’t rush the bacon. Cooking it slowly over medium heat until it’s perfectly crisp is essential for that delightful textural contrast. Drain it well on paper towels to remove excess fat.
Uniform Dicing: Try to dice your tomatoes, red onions, and avocados into roughly similar-sized pieces. This ensures even distribution of flavors and a more pleasant eating experience.
Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs can be used in a pinch, fresh parsley and basil truly elevate this salad. Their vibrant flavors are irreplaceable.
Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the avocado from browning and the pasta from soaking up too much dressing, it’s best to drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. If making ahead, add the avocado and dressing right before you plan to eat.
Chilling is Optional, but Recommended: While you can enjoy this salad immediately, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Make It Your Own: Customization Ideas

One of the joys of pasta salads is their versatility. This Bacon Avocado Pasta Salad is fantastic as is, but it also serves as an excellent base for various delicious additions and substitutions:

Add More Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken (shredded or diced), pan-seared shrimp, or even canned chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian boost.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in other favorite vegetables like diced cucumber, corn kernels (fresh or frozen), finely chopped bell peppers (any color), or even some baby spinach for added greens.
Cheese Please!: If Parmesan isn’t your only love, crumbled feta cheese, goat cheese, or even small cubes of mozzarella could be delightful additions.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the vinaigrette or tossed with the salad can add a lovely kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Different Herbs: While basil and parsley are fantastic, fresh dill or cilantro could offer interesting twists, depending on your palate.
Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: As mentioned, turkey bacon can be swapped for veggie bacon strips or simply omitted. Ensure your Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly, or use a nutritional yeast blend for a cheesy, dairy-free flavor.

With these simple customizations, you can easily adapt this already perfect salad to suit your mood, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Yield: serves 6

Bacon Avocado Pasta Salad

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
10 minutes

Total Time
20 minutes

An easy, 20 minute recipe for bacon avocado pasta salad. Fusilli pasta, Roma tomatoes, red onions, parmesan cheese, bacon, and avocados tossed in a lemon and olive oil vinaigrette. Totally weeknight perfect!

Ingredients

For the Bacon Avocado Pasta Salad:

14 oz fusilli pasta
8 bacon strips (I used turkey bacon, you can use regular, vegetarian strips, whatever you prefer)
1/2 cup red onions, diced
2 roma tomatoes, diced
1 XL avocado or 2 medium, diced
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/3 cup parsley, chopped
1/3 cup basil, chiffonade

For the vinaigrette:

1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, or more to taste
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika, or more to taste
salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

To make the bacon avocado pasta salad:

In a large pot of boiling water, cook our pasta according to package directions. Drain, set aside. While, the pasta is cooking, Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, transfer to a plate lined with paper towel. Let cool completely before dicing.
Combine the pasta, cooked bacon, red onions, tomatoes, avocado, parmesan, parsley, and basil in the same pot as you cooked the pasta or a large bowl.

To make the vinaigrette:

Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl, using a small whisk or a fork, whisk the ingredients until they are completely combined. Alternately, you can add the ingredients into a small cover, cap it, and give it a good shake.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad when ready to serve. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Have you made this recipe?

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below. You can also share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR, I’d love to see what you made!

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Quick Meal

This Bacon Avocado Pasta Salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s a solution for those busy days when you crave something fresh, flavorful, and filling, but time is of the essence. It’s a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a dish that feels special and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a delightful dinner, or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this salad is guaranteed to impress with its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation. Give it a try, and prepare to add it to your regular rotation!

Like this recipe? Craving more? Stay in touch and show your love! Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin’, and Tumblr.