This easy cilantro lime pasta salad is fresh and zesty! Made with pasta, bright cilantro, and a tangy lime dressing, it’s perfect for a sunny day or a potluck.
Trust me, you’ll love how quick it is to whip up! I often make it as a side dish, and it vanishes like magic. Plus, it’s great for meal prep—tasty and colorful! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is fun and adds a nice touch. You can swap it out for fusilli, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor. If you can’t find them, diced regular tomatoes or even roasted red peppers work well, too.
Corn: Fresh corn gives sweetness and crunch. Canned or frozen corn can be great substitutes—just make sure to drain and rinse if using canned.
Avocado: This adds creaminess to the salad. If you’re avoiding avocados, try using diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
Cilantro: Essential for the flavor! If you’re not a fan, parsley is a good alternative, but it won’t have the same bright taste.
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: This gives the dressing a creamy texture. You can also use lactose-free yogurt or even a vegan sour cream for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Make a Creamy and Flavorful Dressing?
The dressing is key to this salad! Here’s how to make it tasty and smooth:
- Use a bowl to whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and mayonnaise for that creamy base.
- Add freshly squeezed lime juice—this brightens the flavor, so don’t skip it! Two limes usually do the trick.
- Mix in fresh cilantro and minced garlic for that aromatic flavor. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
- Finish with a bit of honey or agave to balance the acidity, plus salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Taste and adjust as needed!
Chilling the dressing a bit before adding it to the salad can help meld the flavors together even more!
Easy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 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 cilantro lime dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp honey or agave syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll want to chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor. So, around 45 minutes total before you’re enjoying this delicious salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside to cool completely.
2. Make the Cilantro Lime Dressing:
While the pasta is cooking, you can whip up the dressing! In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until everything is mixed and creamy. Give it a taste and adjust seasonings if needed; make it as tangy or sweet as you like!
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh corn, diced avocado, chopped red onion, and additional chopped cilantro. Mix it gently so everything gets well combined.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the cilantro lime dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are nicely coated with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give it a gentle toss to make sure everything is mixed, and feel free to garnish with extra cilantro if you like.
This fresh and zesty pasta salad combines creamy avocado, sweet corn, and juicy tomatoes with a bright cilantro lime dressing—perfect for potlucks or just a light lunch! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works great, you can use rotini, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the avocado may brown slightly, so it’s best consumed within this time frame.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just assemble everything, dress it, and let it chill in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
What If I Don’t Like Cilantro?
No problem! If cilantro isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a different flavor or simply omit it altogether. The salad will still be delicious!
