Description
This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is fresh, vibrant, and packed with zesty flavor. Tender pasta is tossed with crisp vegetables, fresh cilantro, and a bright lime dressing for a refreshing side dish that’s perfect for gatherings, lunches, and summer meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese (optional)
For the Cilantro Lime Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, garlic, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, black beans, red onion, and cilantro.
- Pour the cilantro lime dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in avocado and cheese if using.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or extra beans to turn this pasta salad into a complete meal. Add avocado right before serving for the freshest texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: cilantro lime pasta salad, summer pasta salad, lime pasta recipe, fresh pasta salad, easy side dish