Why Make This Recipe
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of vegetables with the robust flavors of lime and cilantro. This salad is perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or light meals. It is not only colorful and appealing, but it is also packed with nutrients. The combination of corn, tomatoes, and avocados makes this salad a good source of vitamins and healthy fats.
This recipe is easy to make, and you can customize it to suit your tastes. If you love fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, this pasta salad is a must-try. It’s light yet filling, making it a great choice for warm weather or any occasion that calls for something refreshing. With the creamy dressing made of Greek yogurt, your pasta salad will be a hit even with those who typically shy away from traditional dressings.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Making your own Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is simple and enjoyable. By using fresh ingredients and making the dressing from scratch, you can control the flavors and create a dish that is both delicious and healthy. Follow these steps to make your own fresh pasta salad.
Ingredients
To prepare this refreshing dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 16 oz. bow tie pasta, cooked and cooled (or your favorite pasta)
- 1½ cups corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn)
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ of a small red onion, chopped or thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
- 1-2 avocados, diced
- Cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped (leaves & stems are okay)
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne
Directions
1. Make the Dressing
Start by preparing the dressing. In a food processor, add the plain Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, roughly chopped cilantro, garlic cloves, salt, and cayenne. Blend these ingredients until smooth. Once the dressing is mixed well, refrigerate it for a while. This helps the flavors blend and develop a richer taste.
2. Toss the Pasta Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and finely chopped cilantro. This combination creates a colorful mixture full of textures and flavors. Next, pour the dressing you prepared over the pasta mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
3. Serve
Once the salad is ready, it’s time to serve. Portion the pasta salad onto individual plates, making sure everyone gets plenty of colorful veggies. Top each portion with diced avocado for creaminess and sprinkle Cotija cheese over the top if you like. This adds a salty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Enjoy your salad right away for the freshest taste!
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats or fish. You can also serve it as a light main dish during warm days or picnics. Pair it with cold drinks, like lemonade or iced tea, for a complete meal.
If you’re serving it at a gathering, consider placing it in a large bowl for guests to help themselves. You can garnish the salad with extra lime wedges, cilantro sprigs, or even slices of jalapeño for those who like a bit of spice. This dish can also be a part of a larger buffet spread along with other salads and appetizers.
How to Store Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
If you have leftovers, storing them properly will help keep the salad fresh. Place the remaining pasta salad in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the freshness of the avocado will start to diminish. To maintain the best texture, consider adding fresh avocado just before serving any leftovers.
If you plan to keep the salad for a longer time, it’s best to store the components separately if possible. Keep the pasta salad mixture separate from the dressing and the avocado. This way, you can keep everything fresh and maintain the best flavors.
Tips to Make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
To enhance your salad experience, consider these helpful tips:
- Cook your pasta al dente. This will help the pasta hold its shape and not become mushy when mixed with dressing.
- Use fresh ingredients. The quality of your vegetables can greatly impact the flavor of the salad. Fresh corn, ripe tomatoes, and perfectly ripe avocados make a noticeable difference.
- Adjust spice levels. If you want more heat, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add some sliced jalapeños.
- Custom add-ins. Consider adding black beans or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also use different types of cheese if Cotija is not available.
Variation
This recipe is very versatile. You can easily make variations based on your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas:
- Swap the Pasta: You can use any pasta shape you like. Whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta also work well.
- Change the Cheese: Instead of Cotija, try feta or omit cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Add Protein: Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein. This turns the salad into a more filling meal.
- Make it Spicy: Incorporate some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing for a spicy kick.
FAQs
1. Can I make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta salad a few hours in advance. To keep the avocados fresh, add them just before serving. The dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to combine nicely.
2. What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots can add crunch and additional nutrition to the salad.
3. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is great for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just remember to add avocado fresh when you are ready to eat.
With these straightforward steps and tips, making this Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad will be a breeze. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the satisfaction of creating a healthy, colorful dish that everyone will love!
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a food processor, add the plain Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, roughly chopped cilantro, garlic cloves, salt, and cayenne. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate to enhance flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and finely chopped cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Portion the pasta salad onto individual plates and top with diced avocado. Sprinkle Cotija cheese over the top if desired.