This refreshing cilantro lime pasta salad is a perfect mix of flavors! With zesty lime juice, fresh cilantro, and lots of colorful veggies, it’s tasty and bright.
I love making this salad for picnics because it’s easy to prepare, and it tastes even better the next day. Plus, who can resist that zesty kick? Yum! 🌿🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is a fun choice for this salad, but you can use any pasta you have on hand! Penne, rotini, or even a gluten-free option work great. Just check the cooking time on the package.
Corn: Fresh corn is delightful if it’s in season, but frozen or canned corn are convenient alternatives. Just drain and rinse canned corn before adding.
Avocado: Ripe avocado adds creaminess, but if you can’t find one, try using diced cucumber or even a handful of peas for that fresh bite.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key for flavor, but if you’re not a fan, parsley or basil can also brighten up the dish nicely.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice really enhances the salad’s tang, but if limes aren’t available, lemon juice works in a pinch!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Has Great Flavor?
A delicious pasta salad needs a well-balanced dressing and fresh ingredients! Here are some tips:
- Toss Everything Gently: When mixing the pasta and veggies, use a light hand to keep the avocado intact and maintain the texture of the salad.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes or more lets all the flavors mingle together, which is so important!
- Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or lime juice. Sometimes a little extra citrus can make everything pop!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 oz farfalle pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to chill in the fridge, giving you a total of about 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve. Perfect for a summer day or a quick side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water. This will cool the pasta down so it’s ready for the salad. Set it aside to let it drain completely.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, corn, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. These colorful veggies will add lots of flavor and crunch!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it’s well combined. This zesty dressing will really bring the salad together.
4. Combine Everything:
Now, pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together to make sure the pasta and veggies are well-coated in the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado!
5. Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the tasty flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to serve, you can garnish it with some extra cilantro if you like. Enjoy your delicious Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute farfalle with any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta shape.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This cilantro lime pasta salad is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure your olive oil is refined as some brands may process their oils with animal products. If you want to add a bit more substance, consider adding some chickpeas or black beans for extra protein!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the avocado browns and you want to keep it looking fresh, you can add a splash of lime juice over the avocado before storing. Just give it a good toss before serving again!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumber, or even roasted zucchini. Just make sure to keep the ratios similar so the dressing is still balanced!
