This bright and zesty cilantro lime pasta salad is a fun twist on a classic! With fresh veggies, lime juice, and a sprinkle of cilantro, it’s refreshing and tasty.
I love making this salad for picnics or barbecues. It’s colorful, easy to whip up, and always brings a smile to everyone’s face. Plus, who doesn’t love a little zing?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Farfalle Pasta: I love using bowtie pasta for its fun shape, which holds the dressing nicely. You can swap it for other pasta types like rotini or penne if you prefer.
Cherry Tomatoes: These are sweet and juicy! If you can’t find them, regular tomatoes diced into small pieces will work. You could also use roasted tomatoes for a different flavor.
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn adds a great crunch, but canned corn is perfectly fine too! Just rinse it to reduce sodium. You might also consider frozen corn; it’s easy to prepare by just thawing.
Avocado: A creamy addition that brings richness. If you need a substitute due to allergies, try using diced cucumber or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess.
Cilantro: This herb is key for flavor! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a great alternative, providing a fresh taste without the citrusy notes.
How Do I Achieve the Best Pasta Salad Texture?
The texture of the pasta salad is crucial for a satisfying dish. Cooking the pasta is the first step to getting it right:
- Cook your farfalle pasta according to the package instructions. Remember, al dente is the way to go—about 1-2 minutes less than fully done gives it a nice bite.
- After draining, run cold water over the pasta to stop the cooking process. This is a vital step to keeping the pasta firm and ensuring it doesn’t stick together.
- Mix your salad while the pasta is cool, that way the fresh flavors blend beautifully without wilting any ingredients like the cilantro or avocado.
Make sure to toss the salad gently. This keeps the avocado intact and prevents everything becoming mushy. Enjoy your bright and fresh cilantro lime pasta salad!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz farfalle pasta (bowtie pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking and cooling the pasta, followed by another 10 minutes chopping and mixing the ingredients. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the avocado, finely chop the red onion, and chop the fresh cilantro. Place all these yummy ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. This dressing will add a fresh and zesty flavor to your salad!
4. Combine Everything:
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Then, pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until all the pasta and veggies are coated in that vibrant dressing.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give the salad a taste and see if it needs a little more salt or pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking—for a bit more zing, you can add a splash more lime juice if desired!
6. Serve or Chill:
Now, you can either serve your pasta salad right away or let it chill in the fridge for up to 1 hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy your refreshing Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute farfalle with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions of the type you choose!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
This salad is already vegan-friendly! Just make sure that any additions, like a vegan-friendly corn product, stay in line with your dietary preferences. Enjoy it as is for a delicious plant-based dish.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The avocado may brown a bit, but you can mix in a splash of lime juice before serving to freshen it up.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare everything but the avocado and dressing ahead of time. Combine the other ingredients in a bowl and store them in the fridge. Add the dressing and diced avocado just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful!
