This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is the perfect mix of fresh flavors and fun textures! With zesty lime dressing, tender pasta, and crunchy veggies, it’s a bright dish that shines at any meal.
Honestly, the cilantro gives it a fresh kick, and I can’t resist adding extra lime juice! 😊 It’s a great dish to whip up quickly and perfect for picnics or just a tasty lunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is great for texture, but any pasta works! Bowtie, rotini, or even whole wheat options fit well. If gluten-free, try quinoa or chickpea pasta.
Cilantro: A must for that fresh flavor! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a great substitute. It offers a different taste but keeps the dish fresh.
Avocado: Avocado adds creaminess, but if you can’t find ripe ones, try using diced cucumbers or even artichoke hearts for a different texture.
Greek Yogurt: This gives a nice tang, but sour cream works too! For a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or vegan mayo.
Lime Juice: The lime juice brightens up the salad. If fresh limes are out of reach, bottled lime juice works, but fresh is always better when you can!
How Do I Perfectly Cook Pasta for a Salad?
Cooking pasta properly is key for a good salad. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a large pot with plenty of water to ensure the pasta has room to cook evenly.
- Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water. This adds flavor directly to the pasta.
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it. Check package instructions for timing!
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps cool it down for your salad.
Taking care during these steps will ensure your pasta salad doesn’t turn mushy and has the perfect texture! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz farfalle pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time. After you toss everything together, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. So, total time from start to finish is about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the farfalle pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once it’s done, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool down while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Mix the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, corn, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. This will create a colorful and fresh base for your pasta salad!
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper until it’s nice and smooth. This tangy dressing is what brings everything together!
4. Combine Everything Together:
Now, add the cooled pasta to the big bowl with the veggies. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much – you want it to stay chunky!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, you can garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if you like. Then enjoy your refreshing cilantro lime pasta salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute farfalle with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the packaging instructions for the specific pasta you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, sour cream is a perfect substitute. You could also use plain regular yogurt; just keep in mind it will be less thick. For a dairy-free option, try using almond or coconut yogurt!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Be aware that the avocado may brown a little; to minimize this, you can squeeze a bit more lime juice over it before storing!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, cucumber, or even black beans for extra protein. Just make sure to keep the ratios in balance to maintain the salad’s creamy texture.
