This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is the perfect balance of tangy lime, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado, creating a delightful combination that will leave you craving more. The colorful blend of tomatoes and onions adds a burst of freshness, making it the ideal dish for summer gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner.
The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility and ease. You can enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier option. It’s a salad that’s light yet satisfying, with just the right amount of flavor to brighten up your day.
Full Recipe:
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12 oz (340g) pasta (such as rotini or penne)
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1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 avocado, diced
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1/4 cup olive oil
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2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
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1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
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1 teaspoon cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cilantro, red onion, tomatoes, and avocado.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is well-coated.
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Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 270 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer dish, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with fresh, vibrant flavors. This dish is unlike traditional pasta salads, thanks to its zesty and creamy cilantro-lime dressing that brings a refreshing twist. The salad is loaded with a variety of fresh ingredients, including sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a punch of red onion, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a salad that offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it a favorite among both kids and adults.
Why This Salad is a Summer Favorite
What sets this cilantro lime pasta salad apart from typical pasta salads is its ability to elevate fresh summer ingredients. While many pasta salads rely on heavy, mayonnaise-based dressings, this version uses Greek yogurt to create a lighter, creamy dressing that’s tangy with a subtle kick from cayenne pepper. It’s a healthier twist on a classic that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Additionally, the inclusion of avocado makes the salad both creamy and satisfying without the use of cheese, although a sprinkle of cotija cheese can be added for an extra layer of flavor.
The corn used in this recipe can be prepared in various ways, but grilling it before adding it to the salad enhances its natural sweetness and smokiness, which perfectly complements the bright lime dressing. You can also use fresh or frozen corn, depending on availability, but fresh corn will give your salad a crisp, juicy bite that really shines in the final dish.
The Ingredients That Make This Salad Shine
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is all about fresh, seasonal ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s bursting with color and flavor. The pasta provides a solid base for all the other ingredients, while the cilantro, with its fragrant and vibrant flavor, gives the dish its signature taste. Lime juice adds a tangy burst, balancing the richness of the avocado and yogurt-based dressing. Corn, tomatoes, red onion, and avocado add both texture and color to the dish, making each bite a delightful experience.
A key aspect of this dish is the dressing, which is creamy yet tangy thanks to the use of plain Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro. The dressing is easy to make, requiring only a quick blend in a food processor, and can be stored in the fridge for later use. If you want to make it sweeter or adjust the tanginess, you can experiment with adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to the dressing. It’s one of those recipes that’s highly customizable to your personal taste.
Making This Salad Ahead of Time
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a great make-ahead dish. It’s perfect for prepping a day or two before an event, which makes it even more convenient for busy cooks. The pasta, vegetables, and dressing can all be prepared in advance, and the salad can be assembled when you’re ready to serve. The key is to add the avocado right before serving, as it tends to brown if it sits for too long. If you’re making this dish for leftovers, you can toss the salad in additional dressing to keep it flavorful and fresh.
For those who are preparing this salad for a large crowd or party, doubling the dressing recipe is a great idea. The pasta absorbs the dressing over time, and adding more dressing just before serving will ensure the salad remains vibrant and flavorful.
Variations to Try
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of variations you can try to make it your own. If you’re looking to add protein, grilled chicken or shrimp are great options. The addition of a sprinkle of cotija cheese gives the salad a tangy, salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing and fresh veggies. For a smoky twist, grilling the corn instead of boiling it will infuse the salad with additional flavor.
You can also make the salad more filling by adding beans or other vegetables, depending on what’s in season or available. If you prefer a bit of heat, a finely chopped jalapeño can be added to the dressing for an extra kick. The flexibility of this salad makes it easy to adjust to your taste or dietary preferences.
Storage Tips for Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, but keep in mind that the avocado will brown over time. To prevent this, it’s best to remove the avocado pieces before storing the salad and add fresh avocado right before serving. The salad may absorb some of the dressing as it sits, so it’s a good idea to reserve some dressing to toss with the salad just before serving to bring back its fresh, creamy texture.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This salad isn’t just for summer – it’s the perfect side dish for any casual meal or gathering. Whether you’re serving it as a side with grilled meats or using it as a main dish with some added protein, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. The bright, tangy flavors work well with a variety of other dishes, and it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s always asked for at potlucks and family gatherings.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, easy to make, and full of fresh flavors, cilantro lime pasta salad is the perfect option. It’s a refreshing take on the classic pasta salad, and with its vibrant ingredients and creamy dressing, it’s guaranteed to become one of your go-to recipes for warm-weather entertaining.
Conclusion
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a delicious, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Loaded with fresh vegetables, avocado, and a creamy cilantro-lime dressing, it offers a unique twist on the classic pasta salad. The versatility of this dish allows for plenty of customization, and it’s simple enough to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, picnic, or as a weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Light, flavorful, and satisfying, it’s the ideal dish for the warmer months and beyond.