This refreshing cilantro lime pasta salad is perfect for warm days! It combines al dente pasta with zesty lime dressing and fresh herbs, giving it a bright flavor that’s hard to resist.
It’s super easy to make—just cook the pasta, toss it with the dressing and herbs, and you’re good to go! I love serving it as a side at picnics or barbecues because everyone enjoys it! 🌿
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Bowtie (farfalle) pasta gives a fun shape to this salad. If you don’t have bowtie, feel free to use any pasta shape you like—penne, fusilli, or rotini work great too!
Corn: Fresh corn is sweet and crunchy, but if it’s out of season, frozen corn is a good alternative. Just thaw it before adding it to the salad.
Avocado: The creamy avocado adds texture, but if you need a substitute, try using diced cucumber for crunch without the creaminess, or omit it entirely.
Mayonnaise: I love the creaminess of mayonnaise, but you can swap it for Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or even a vegan mayo for a dairy-free option!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brings in zesty flavor. If you don’t have fresh limes, bottled lime juice can work in a pinch, just use a bit less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Cook Pasta to the Perfect Texture?
Cooking pasta correctly is crucial for a great salad. Here’s how I do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a full boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—this usually means it should still have a slight bite to it.
- Once cooked, quickly drain the pasta in a colander.
- Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down, which is important for pasta salad.
- Allow it to drain well before adding it to the other ingredients.
Getting the pasta to the right texture makes all the difference! Enjoy your pasta salad!
Easy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or cooked)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking time. If you’d like to let it chill in the fridge for a bit, add another 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. So, all in all, you can whip this up in about 45 minutes if you include chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the bowtie pasta in and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this typically takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it quickly and stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside in a large bowl.
2. Make the Dressing:
Grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth, creamy dressing. This zesty dressing will bring everything together beautifully!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In your large mixing bowl with the cooled pasta, add the halved cherry tomatoes, corn, diced avocado, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. These ingredients add great texture and flavor to your salad.
4. Toss It All Together:
Now, pour the cilantro lime dressing over the pasta and veggies. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated in that delicious dressing. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
5. Season to Taste:
Give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning as you like. A little more salt, pepper, or lime juice can elevate the flavors, so feel free to tweak it to match your taste.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro on top for a fresh touch. This pasta salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a fantastic dish for picnics, barbecues, or weekday lunches!
Enjoy your vibrant, fresh, and creamy cilantro lime pasta salad! It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie (farfalle) pasta is fun and visually appealing, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, fusilli, or even rotini work well in this salad.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier. Just note that the avocado may brown slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for prep. You can cook the pasta and prepare the dressing a day in advance. Just combine everything right before serving to keep the avocado fresh and prevent it from browning too much.
What If I Don’t Like Cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or basil for a different flavor. The salad will still be bright and delicious without it!
