This colorful cilantro lime pasta salad is fresh and zesty! With pasta, crunchy veggies, and a tangy lime dressing, it’s a great side dish or a light meal.
Making it is a breeze: just toss everything together and enjoy! I love having it chilled on hot days, and it pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bow Tie Pasta: I love using bow tie pasta for its fun shape and texture. If you want to swap it out, any short pasta like penne or fusilli will work just as well.
Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. If they’re out of season, try using grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes.
Fresh Corn: Fresh corn brings crunch and sweetness. You can substitute with canned corn or frozen corn—just make sure to drain and thaw them if using frozen.
Avocado: Ripe avocado adds creaminess. If you’re allergic or don’t have one, you could leave it out or add diced cucumber for crunch instead.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both are great for creaminess. Choose Greek yogurt for a tangier taste or low-fat option. You can also use mayonnaise if you prefer.
How Do I Properly Cook Pasta for Salad?
Cooking pasta for a salad is key to getting the right texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Use a large pot of salted water; this adds flavor to the pasta.
- Cook according to package instructions until al dente—you want it firm but not hard.
- As soon as it’s done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. Enjoy your perfectly cooked pasta in the salad!
Easy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Salad:
- 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (cut from about 1 ear of corn)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- For the Dressing:
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes of chilling time in the fridge. So, in total, you’ll need around 45 minutes from start to serve. Perfect for meal prep or a quick side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Once cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set it aside while preparing the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooking, wash and cut your veggies. Halve the cherry tomatoes, cut the corn kernels off the cob, dice the avocado, finely chop the red onion, and give the cilantro a nice chop too. These fresh ingredients will add fantastic flavor and color!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, corn, diced avocado, chopped red onion, and cilantro. It’s a rainbow of freshness!
5. Add the Dressing:
Pour the cilantro lime dressing over the pasta and veggies. Gently toss everything together so that the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients. Be careful not to mash the avocado!
6. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste the salad. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed to suit your taste buds.
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.
This fresh, creamy cilantro lime pasta salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works great in this salad. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta may have different cooking times. Rinse under cold water after cooking to prevent sticking.
How Can I Keep Avocado from Browning in the Salad?
To minimize browning, try adding the diced avocado just before serving. You can also toss it in a little lime juice, which helps slow down the oxidation process. Another tip is to cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap to limit air exposure.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep. Make it a day in advance, but add the avocado right before serving to keep it fresh. The flavors will deepen in the fridge, making it even tastier for the next day!
How Long Can Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the avocado may not stay fresh for that long, so it’s best enjoyed within 1–2 days for optimal taste and texture.
