This refreshing cilantro lime pasta salad is a perfect blend of zesty flavors! With pasta, fresh cilantro, and a tangy lime dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re like me, you’ll love how quick this dish comes together. It’s my go-to for summer picnics or quick lunches. Bonus: it tastes even better the next day! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Bowtie pasta works great here, but you can swap in any pasta you have on hand. Shells, rotini, or even whole grain pasta would be delicious and add nice texture!
Corn: Fresh or cooked corn can be used, depending on what’s available. Canned corn is a fine substitute, but be sure to drain it well.
Avocado: For creaminess, use ripe avocado. If you don’t have any, you can skip it, or mix in some diced cucumbers for crunch.
Cilantro: This herb is key for flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a good substitute, or even try a sprinkle of green onions for a fresh taste.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: The dressing base. If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap these for Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.
How Do I Make the Dressing Smooth?
Your dressing is crucial for adding flavor. To ensure it blends well, start with a room-temperature bowl for your mayo and sour cream. Here’s how to create a smooth mixture:
- Combine the mayo and sour cream first, mixing completely before adding other ingredients.
- Add lime juice slowly, whisking to avoid clumps.
- Mix in garlic and zest thoroughly to incorporate these flavors evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper at the end; it’s easier to adjust to your taste!
By following these tips, you’ll have a creamy and flavorful dressing that ties all the salad ingredients together beautifully!
Easy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Veggies:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh or cooked corn kernels
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Juice of 2 limes (about 3-4 tbsp)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, including cooking the pasta. Once it’s done, you’ll spend just a few minutes mixing everything together. You can serve it right away, but it’s best when chilled for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water and adding a good amount of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but not hard). Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set the cooled pasta aside.
2. Combine the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. These colorful ingredients add freshness and flavor to your salad.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing gives the salad its delicious cilantro-lime flavor.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the freshly made dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together so that the dressing evenly coats each ingredient. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much!
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a quick taste. If you think it needs more flavor, feel free to add a bit more salt, pepper, or even an extra squeeze of lime juice. Adjust to your liking!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve the salad right away, but for the best taste, let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend together beautifully. Garnish with a bit more chopped cilantro before serving, and enjoy your refreshing cilantro lime pasta salad!
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a quick healthy meal at home, this salad is sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is a favorite in this recipe, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even whole grain options. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for about 3 days. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly, so you might want to add fresh avocado just before serving for the best appearance.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make this salad vegan, simply replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives such as vegan mayo and plant-based yogurt. These will keep the creamy texture without using animal products.
What Can I Add to Customize This Salad?
This salad is very versatile! Consider adding ingredients like bell peppers, black beans, or jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also include shredded cheese or nuts for added texture and flavor.
