Macaroni Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

4.3
(6)
4 Reviews

Give classic pasta salad a fresher, more flavorful spin. This fast pasta dish calls for avocado to replace some of the mayonnaise, which makes it extra creamy. Whole-wheat elbow macaroni and fresh vegetables round out this healthy pasta salad that you'll be making all summer long.

By
Carolyn Casner
Carolyn Casner

Carolyn Casner is a longtime recipe tester and contributor for EatingWell. Over the years, she has tested and developed hundreds of recipes for the magazine and website.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on September 19, 2023
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
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Active Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
12 servings
Nutrition Profile:
Diabetes-Friendly Nut-Free Low-Sodium Soy-Free High-Fiber Heart-Healthy Vegetarian Low-Calorie
Jump to Nutrition Facts
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Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole-wheat elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)

  • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper

  • ½ cup thinly sliced celery

  • 2 scallions, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

  • 1 ripe medium avocado

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

  • ¾ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon dried minced garlic

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Directions

  1. Cook macaroni in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water; drain again. Transfer to a large bowl. Add bell pepper, celery, scallions and parsley (or cilantro).

  2. Halve avocado, remove pit and scoop flesh into a mini food processor. Add mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, dried garlic and pepper. Process until smooth. Add the avocado dressing to the large bowl with the macaroni salad and stir until well coated.

To make ahead

Refrigerate for up to 1 day.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, May 2018

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

130 Calories
6g Fat
17g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Serving Size 1/2 cup
Calories 130
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 3g 7%
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 2mg 1%
Vitamin A 513IU 10%
Vitamin C 19mg 21%
Folate 34mcg 9%
Sodium 182mg 8%
Calcium 16mg 1%
Iron 1mg 5%
Magnesium 35mg 8%
Potassium 173mg 4%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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