This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is fresh and zesty! It’s loaded with colorful veggies and tossed in a bright lime dressing that makes every bite pop with flavor.
Honestly, it’s like a party in a bowl! I love making this salad for picnics because it’s super easy and tastes even better the next day. Who can resist a good pasta salad? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Bow-tie pasta brings a fun shape to this dish, but you can easily swap it for fusilli or penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook it to al dente for the best texture.
Cilantro: This herb is essential for that fresh flavor. If you’re not a fan, try substituting it with parsley or basil, though the taste will be different.
Avocado: Adds creaminess to the salad. If avocados aren’t available, consider using diced cucumber or even crumbled feta cheese for a different texture and flavor.
Corn: Fresh corn tastes amazing, but canned or frozen corn work just as well. If you’re avoiding corn, you could use diced bell peppers for a nice crunch.
Chili Flakes: These add a little kick! If you prefer milder flavors, feel free to skip them or use a pinch of paprika instead.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad Is Perfectly Mixed Without Mashing the Avocado?
Mixing gently is key to keeping the avocado intact. Here are some tips to help you combine everything well:
- After adding the pasta to the dressing, toss it carefully with a large spoon or spatula to coat.
- Add the other ingredients one at a time, folding them in rather than stirring. This helps avoid breaking up the avocado.
- When mixing, use a “folding” motion, lifting ingredients from the bottom and turning them over the top.
- Always taste and adjust the seasoning gently, as stirring too much can mash the avocado.
With these tips in mind, you’ll have a beautiful salad with vibrant colors and textures! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) bow-tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 medium avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cilantro lime pasta salad will take about 20 minutes for preparation and cooking, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, you’re looking at about 50 minutes total before it’s ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bow-tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.
2. Preparing the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if you’re using them). Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth. This will be the delicious dressing for your pasta salad!
3. Mixing the Pasta Salad:
Add the cooled bow-tie pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the dressing. Don’t worry if some dressing settles to the bottom; we’ll mix it all together later.
4. Adding Fresh Ingredients:
Next, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Be gentle when mixing so you don’t mash the avocado—just gently combine everything until it’s mixed well.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a taste test! If it needs more flavor, feel free to add additional salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your preference. It’s all about making it perfect for your tastes!
6. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle together and makes the salad even more delicious!
7. Serve and Garnish:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a gentle toss again to combine. If you’d like, sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro on top for garnish. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant cilantro lime pasta salad!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Regular Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a healthy substitute that will work perfectly in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly from regular pasta. Aim for al dente!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, this salad is already vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by simply ensuring that any other ingredients you choose, such as dressings or additional toppings, are plant-based. The avocado adds a creamy texture without any dairy!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your salad! Diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots would add more color and crunch. Just make sure to chop them small enough for easy mixing and eating.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, the avocado may brown after a day, so it’s best to eat the salad sooner rather than later for optimal freshness!
