Creamy, fresh, and packed with tuna, avocado, sweet corn, and juicy tomatoes—this easy pasta salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Creamy tuna avocado bow-tie pasta salad recipe with sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh parsley and creamy herb dressing is a colorful, satisfying dish that comes together with simple everyday ingredients. Tender bow-tie pasta is tossed with flaky tuna, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a smooth herb dressing that coats every bite.
What I love most about this pasta salad is the combination of textures. You get tender pasta, buttery avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet pops of corn, and fresh herbs in every forkful. The tuna adds plenty of savory flavor and makes the salad filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 12 oz (340 g) bow-tie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 cans (5 oz / 142 g each) tuna, drained well
- 1 large ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup (165 g) sweet corn, drained or cooked and cooled
- 1 1/2 cups (225 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup (50 g) finely diced red onion
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the Creamy Herb Dressing
- 1/2 cup (120 g) mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup (80 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the bow-tie pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 9–11 minutes. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water, then allow the pasta to drain thoroughly.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the avocado and red onion, slice the green onions, and chop the fresh parsley. Drain the corn and tuna well so excess liquid does not thin the dressing.
- Make the creamy herb dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon or lime juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley, dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the salad: Place the cooled bow-tie pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add the tuna, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, and parsley. Pour the creamy herb dressing over everything and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Add the avocado: Gently fold in the diced avocado last. This helps the avocado pieces stay intact instead of becoming mashed into the dressing.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to come together. Give it one final gentle toss, adjust the salt and pepper if necessary, garnish with additional parsley, and serve chilled or slightly cool.
Tips for the Best Tuna Avocado Pasta Salad
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better once mixed with the creamy dressing.
- Drain the tuna thoroughly: Too much liquid can make the dressing watery.
- Use ripe but firm avocado: It should be creamy inside but firm enough to remain in chunks.
- Add avocado last: Fold it in gently after the other ingredients have been mixed.
- Adjust before serving: Chilled pasta can absorb some of the dressing, so add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise if you want it extra creamy.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy tuna avocado bow-tie pasta salad works beautifully as a light lunch or an easy warm-weather dinner. Serve it with crisp romaine lettuce, sliced cucumber, garlic bread, or a simple bowl of fresh fruit.
It also makes a colorful addition to picnics and family gatherings. Keep it refrigerated until serving, especially when preparing it ahead for warmer days.
Storage
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. For the best texture and appearance, enjoy the salad within 1–2 days because cut avocado naturally softens and darkens over time.
If you're preparing the salad ahead, you can mix the pasta, tuna, corn, tomatoes, onion, herbs, and dressing first, then fold in freshly diced avocado shortly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this tuna pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the pasta mixture and dressing ahead, cover, and refrigerate. For the freshest color and texture, add the avocado closer to serving time.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Absolutely. Rotini, penne, shells, or elbow macaroni all work well. Choose a pasta shape with plenty of curves or ridges to hold the creamy herb dressing.
How can I make the dressing lighter?
Replace more of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. You can also add a little extra lemon or lime juice for a brighter, tangier flavor without making the salad heavy.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tuna Avocado Bow-Tie Pasta Salad is an easy way to turn pantry staples and fresh vegetables into a filling, colorful meal. The combination of flaky tuna, creamy avocado, sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, herbs, and tender farfalle gives every bite plenty of flavor and texture.
Serve it nicely chilled with a little extra parsley and freshly cracked black pepper for a simple pasta salad that's fresh, creamy, and perfect for sharing.