Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe

If you love a zesty, refreshing meal that’s perfect for any occasion, this Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is about to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a vibrant medley of tender pasta, crisp veggies, creamy feta, and the most irresistible cilantro lime dressing—all tossed together in minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This gorgeous salad comes together with just a handful of simple, powerhouse ingredients. Every element—whether it’s creamy feta or snappy cucumber—plays a role in creating an irresistible balance of taste, color, and texture.

• Pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne): These shapes pick up plenty of luscious dressing and satisfy with each forkful—go for whole wheat for extra nutrition if you like!
• Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas add plant protein and a hint of nuttiness, making the salad hearty.
• Corn: Sweet corn kernels bring color and a subtle, juicy pop with every bite; fresh or canned both work well.
• Cucumber: Chopped cucumber keeps things cool and crunchy, balancing the richness of the dressing.
• Red Onion: A little zing and color—if you prefer a milder flavor, soak the diced onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding.
• Feta or Cotija Cheese: Creamy, salty cheese crumbles are the perfect finishing touch; substitute with vegan cheese for a plant-based twist.
• Cilantro: A must for that bold, aromatic punch. Save some leaves for a show-stopping garnish!
• Lime Juice: A fresh squeeze over the top makes all the flavors come alive—don’t skip it!
• Cilantro Lime Dressing: Greek yogurt and avocado keep it creamy (see the note below for details!).

Variations

This Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is as flexible as your cravings—feel free to get creative with your pantry and taste buds! These simple swaps and additions let you tailor the salad to suit what you have on hand or any dietary needs.

• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based feta and replace Greek yogurt in the dressing with a dairy-free alternative for a completely vegan-friendly salad.
• Boost the Veggies: Add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, or even diced avocado for extra color and nutrition.
• Fun with Pasta: Swap in any short pasta shape you love—or try gluten-free pasta for a wheat-free version.
• Spice it Up: Sprinkle in some chili flakes or diced jalapeño to bring a gentle heat to each bite.

How to Make Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

Start by blending all the dressing ingredients—Greek yogurt, avocado, loads of cilantro (double what you’d usually use!), garlic, fresh lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Using a high-speed blender or food processor makes it silky smooth, and don’t be shy with the cilantro for that vivid, herb-packed flavor. Set the dressing aside so those flavors can mingle.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne are all fantastic). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process—this also prevents sticking and keeps the salad refreshingly chilled.

Step 3: Mix the Salad Components

In your biggest salad bowl, combine the cooked pasta, rinsed chickpeas, crisp corn, chopped cucumber, and diced red onion. Toss them gently to distribute all those gorgeous colors and textures—this is the foundation of your Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad.

Step 4: Add the Dressing and Cheese

Drizzle the bright cilantro lime dressing generously over the salad mix. Toss thoroughly to coat everything with that tangy, herby creaminess. Sprinkle the feta (or cotija) cheese over top and give it one last gentle toss for an even distribution.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a flourish of extra cilantro leaves and a squeeze of fresh lime right before serving. This salad is ready to enjoy immediately, but letting it chill for 10–15 minutes really melds the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro and a wedge of lime are all you need to create a restaurant-worthy finish. For a colorful pop, try thinly sliced red chili or a few extra crumbles of feta. Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is as much a feast for the eyes as for the taste buds!

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu. For casual gatherings, serve it alongside tortilla chips and a fresh salsa for a summery, southwest-inspired spread that’s always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the salad into individual jars for a portable picnic or lunchbox treat. For parties, display it in a big, beautiful bowl or layer it on a platter lined with leafy greens for a stunning centerpiece. You can even fill romaine leaves with the salad for a fun hand-held appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors just keep getting better, making it a fabulous make-ahead lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

This pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge—freezing isn’t recommended, as the vegetables and dressing can lose their crispness and become watery once thawed.

Reheating

Since Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is intended to be served chilled or at room temperature, just give it a good toss before serving. If it has been in the fridge for a while, stirring in a small splash of fresh lime juice or extra dressing will refresh the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is genuinely a crowd-pleaser—bright, creamy, and beyond easy to make. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own—it’s a dish that brings sunshine to any table, all year long!

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