This refreshing cilantro lime pasta salad is perfect for sunny days! With tender pasta, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro, it’s a delightful mix of flavors sure to brighten your meal.
You can whip it up in no time, and it pairs well with anything! I love serving it at picnics—it’s always a hit! Just toss everything together and enjoy! 🌿🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used bowtie pasta, but any pasta shape works. You could use rotini, penne, or even gluten-free pasta for a lighter option.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes add sweetness. If they’re out of season, substitute with diced bell pepper for some crunch.
Corn: Fresh corn brings a sweet flavor, but you can use canned or frozen corn if needed—just rinse or cook it first to bring out the taste.
Avocado: This gives creaminess. If you don’t have avocados, you can substitute with diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is vital for flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a good alternative that still adds freshness without overpowering.
How Do I Make a Creamy Dressing That Sticks to the Salad?
The dressing pulls everything together in this salad, and it’s super easy! Here’s how to make it perfectly creamy.
- Start with mayo and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) for thickness.
- Add lime juice and zest for brightness—this keeps the flavor fresh!
- Mix in minced garlic and ground cumin for depth.
- Whisk all ingredients until smooth. If it’s a bit thick, add a splash of water or extra lime juice to thin it out.
You want the dressing to coat the ingredients well, so don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste with salt and pepper!
Easy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 3 cups) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 1 ear of corn)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
To prepare this delicious pasta salad, it will take about 15 minutes to cook and prep your ingredients, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the fridge. So, you can whip it up in about 45 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as preferred.
3. Mix the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh corn kernels, diced avocado, chopped red onion, and half of your chopped cilantro. Gently fold everything together to avoid mashing the avocado.
4. Combine with Dressing:
Drizzle the cilantro lime dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
5. Garnish and Chill:
Sprinkle the remaining chopped cilantro on top of the salad for a fresh garnish. Cover the bowl and place the salad in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those tasty flavors to meld together!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, give the salad another gentle toss and serve it cold. It’s a perfect side dish for summer gatherings, barbecues, or even a light meal on its own!
This pasta salad is bright, creamy, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any occasion. Enjoy your refreshing culinary creation! 🌿🍋
FAQ for Easy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute the bowtie pasta with any gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just hold off on adding the avocado until right before serving to prevent it from browning.
What If I Don’t Like Cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, feel free to swap it for fresh parsley or simply leave it out. You can also try adding a small handful of fresh basil for a different flavor profile!
