Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re looking to brighten up your next meal, this Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is about to steal the show! Bursting with vibrant colors and tangy, fresh flavors, this dish effortlessly combines creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and a zippy cilantro lime dressing over perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re planning a picnic, prepping for a potluck, or just want a standout side for your family dinner, this salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. Be ready for everyone to beg for the recipe!

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is all in its fuss-free ingredients. Every component brings something special to the table—crunch, creaminess, bold flavor, or a pop of color—coming together for a dish that is as easy to make as it is irresistible to eat.

  • Pasta: Bow tie pasta’s playful shape holds onto the creamy dressing, but feel free to swap in fusilli or penne for extra personality.
  • Corn Kernels: Sweet and crisp, fresh or thawed frozen corn brightens every bite—grill or char them for extra depth!
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for juiciness and a burst of color, these add summery sweetness you can’t skip.
  • Red Onion: A little goes a long way, giving the salad a vibrant crunch and lightly spicy flavor.
  • Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro injects herbaceous zing—it’s the backbone of this salad’s flavor.
  • Avocado: Creaminess in cube form! Dice just before serving for ultimate freshness.
  • Cotija Cheese (optional): This crumbly Mexican cheese adds a salty, tangy kick—feta is a great substitute if needed.
  • Greek Yogurt: The base of a lusciously creamy, slightly tangy dressing that’s lighter than mayo.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: No bottled shortcuts here! Real lime juice makes all the difference with a crisp citrus punch.
  • Cilantro (for dressing): Use both leaves and stems; they blend up beautifully for maximum flavor.
  • Garlic Cloves: Adds that unmistakable savory layer—just two cloves go a long way.
  • Salt: Just enough to pull all the flavors together without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
  • Cayenne Pepper: A sprinkle of heat brings subtle warmth—add more or less to taste!

How to Make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

Begin with the flavor powerhouse! In your food processor, combine the Greek yogurt, lime juice, roughly chopped cilantro (leaves and stems), garlic, salt, and cayenne. Blend until everything is super smooth and vibrantly green. Once perfected, pour the dressing into a jar or bowl, cover tightly, and pop it in the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Mix Up the Salad Base

Now for the fun part! In a big salad bowl, toss together your cooled pasta, bright corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or thawed from frozen), halved cherry tomatoes, crisp red onion, and a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro. Drizzle your desired amount of the chilled cilantro lime dressing over the top. Toss it all together until every pasta piece gets a delicious coating. Take a sneaky taste at this step—you’ll know you’re on the right track!

Step 3: Finish and Serve

Just before serving, top each portion with a generous helping of diced avocado and, if you’re feeling fancy, a flourish of crumbled cotija cheese. The avocado’s creamy texture and cheese’s salty punch make each bite perfect. Serve immediately so the avocado stays bright and fresh, and prepare for wide-eyed admiration from everyone around the table!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a finishing touch! More fresh cilantro, a few extra lime wedges, or an extra crumbling of cotija cheese will make each plate pop. Thinly sliced jalapeños or a light dusting of chili powder can add a little extra kick, or try some toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Side Dishes

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad loves company! Serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a hearty meal. It also shines as a refreshing side with barbecue classics, tacos, or roasted veggies. Pile it high next to tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex inspired spread that’s sure to get the party started.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your pasta salad game by serving it in small mason jars for picnics, layered as a colorful trifle in a clear glass bowl, or set up a “build your own” bar with all the toppings on the side. For a memorable brunch, serve mini portions in lettuce cups—each one a bite-sized burst of flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days—just give it a good toss before serving, as the dressing can thicken up and the flavors continue to deepen and meld.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this pasta salad, since fresh ingredients like avocado and tomatoes lose their texture when thawed, and the creamy dressing may separate. For the best results, make it fresh or store in the fridge as recommended.

Reheating

No need to reheat! Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’ve just pulled it from the fridge, let it sit out for about 10 minutes to take the chill off before serving for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the dressing and salad base a day in advance. Just keep the avocado and cotija cheese reserved until right before serving to keep everything fresh and bright.

What pasta shapes work best for this salad?

Bow tie pasta is a classic, but fusilli, rotini, or penne all work beautifully. The key is to choose a shape that holds onto that creamy dressing and has a bit of bite.

I don’t eat dairy—how can I adapt the recipe?

Try swapping Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative, like unsweetened coconut yogurt, and leave out the cotija or use a vegan cheese. The salad will still be creamy, fresh, and packed with flavor.

Can I add extra protein to Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, black beans, or even cooked quinoa can be folded in to make this salad a full meal. Just toss in your favorite add-ins and enjoy.

How spicy is the dressing, and can I adjust the heat?

The cayenne gives a subtle warmth, but you can increase or decrease the amount to suit your taste. Want even more kick? Add minced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce for extra fire!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about the zesty, fresh flavors of Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad. Give it a try at your next gathering or as a meal-prep staple, and you’ll see why it has a way of disappearing fast. Gather your favorite people, whip up a big bowl, and prepare to pass out the recipe—you’re about to make some serious fans!

Print

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe

This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal. The zesty lime dressing pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables and creamy avocado, making it a crowd-pleaser.

  • Author: reem
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad, Side Dish
  • Method: Mixing, Tossing
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Salad:

  • 16 oz. bow tie pasta, cooked and cooled (or your favorite pasta)
  • 1½ cups corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn)*
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ of a small red onion, chopped or thinly sliced
  • 2 Tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
  • 12 avocados, diced
  • Cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)

Lime Dressing:

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • ¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped (leaves & stems are ok)
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅛ tsp cayenne

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing. Add your dressing ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. Then cover and keep it stored in the refrigerator.
  2. Toss the pasta salad. Add the cooled pasta, corn kernels, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro to a large bowl and pour your desired amount of dressing over the top. Toss the salad until it’s fully coated.
  3. Serve. Top each individual portion with avocado and cotija cheese (if using) and serve immediately.

Notes

  • This salad can be made ahead of time, but add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
  • Adjust the cayenne to suit your spice preference.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 3mg

Keywords: Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad, Lime Dressing, Avocado Salad

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