Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

A vibrant, creamy pasta salad bursting with fresh veggies and zesty cilantro lime dressing. This dish is the perfect union of zesty flavors, creamy textures, and fresh, vibrant ingredients. Whether you’re heading to a summer picnic, meal prepping for the week, or just want a refreshing lunch, this Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is your go-to.

 Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients (US Measurements)
3. Instructions (Step-by-Step)
4. Tips and Tricks
5. Preparation Time
6. How to Prepare the Recipe
7. Calories and Nutrition
8. Final Thoughts

 Introduction

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a bright and refreshing dish that brings a fun twist to traditional pasta salads. The blend of tangy lime, fresh cilantro, and creamy Greek yogurt forms a mouthwatering dressing that binds perfectly with bow tie pasta and crunchy vegetables. This salad doesn’t just look colorful and beautiful on your plate; it also offers bold flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re serving it as a side at a barbecue or enjoying it as a standalone vegetarian meal, it’s incredibly easy to make, and even easier to love. The ingredients are simple, the process is quick, and the flavors are unforgettable.

 Ingredients (US Measurements)

For the Salad:

• 8 oz bow tie pasta (about 2 cups dry)
• 1½ cups corn kernels (approximately 2 ears of corn)
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1–2 avocados, diced
• Cotija cheese, crumbled (optional, for garnish)

For the Cilantro Lime Dressing:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (leaves and stems)
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Make the Dressing

1. Add Greek yogurt, lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic cloves, salt, and cayenne pepper to a blender.
2. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more salt or lime juice as desired).
4. Set the dressing aside in the fridge to chill and let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
4. Allow pasta to cool completely before assembling the salad.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro.
2. Pour the chilled cilantro lime dressing over the salad ingredients.
3. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Add Final Touches

1. Gently fold in the diced avocado, being careful not to mash them.
2. Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese over the top if desired.

Step 5: Serve

1. Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for 1–2 hours for the best flavor.
2. Serve cold, garnished with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

 Tips and Tricks

• Use Day-Old Pasta: Cooking the pasta in advance and letting it cool overnight enhances the salad’s texture.
• Add Avocado Last: To prevent browning, dice and add the avocado just before serving.
• Customize the Heat: Increase or decrease the cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling main dish.
• Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt and omit the Cotija cheese.

 Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

 How to Prepare the Recipe

1. Plan Your Ingredients: Gather and prep all ingredients before starting to save time.
2. Cook Pasta First: While it cooks, make your dressing and prep vegetables.
3. Cool It Down: Rinse the pasta in cold water and let it sit so it doesn’t warm the salad.
4. Layer Flavors: Add the dressing to the base first, then fold in delicate ingredients like avocado.
5. Chill for Best Flavor: Let the salad chill to absorb the tangy, herby dressing.

This recipe scales well, making it ideal for potlucks or large gatherings. Double the ingredients for a crowd or cut it in half for a personal lunch prep.

Estimated Calories: ~350 kcal per serving (based on 6 servings)

Nutritional Breakdown (approximate per serving):

• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 4g

Note: Exact nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

 Final Thoughts

This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a celebration of flavor and color. It balances freshness with creaminess, has just enough spice to keep it interesting, and is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables and healthy fats into your diet without sacrificing taste.

Make it ahead, pair it with your favorite protein, or enjoy it solo – it’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making over and over again. Refreshing, light, and oh-so-satisfying, this pasta salad deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation.