Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad is a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The creamy cilantro lime dressing gives the salad a tangy and slightly spicy kick, which pairs wonderfully with the crunch of fresh vegetables. It’s versatile, making it a great side dish or light main meal. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead, making it an ideal choice for busy days or gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salad:

8 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. Set aside.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour for best flavor. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges before serving, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, mix in some Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing.

Storage/Reheating

This pasta salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. It can be eaten cold straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If the pasta absorbs the dressing, add a bit of extra lime juice or olive oil before serving to freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made a few hours ahead of time. It actually tastes better after it sits for a bit, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to swap the pasta for any kind you prefer—penne, bowtie, fusilli, or rotini all work great.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, avocado, or even some fresh spinach to the salad for extra flavor and texture.

Can I make the dressing without honey?

Yes, you can substitute the honey with agave syrup or maple syrup, or leave it out entirely for a less sweet version.

Can I add cheese to this pasta salad?

Yes, crumbled feta or cotija cheese would make a great addition to this salad, adding some creaminess and extra flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

This salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, the pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so you might need to add a bit more dressing or lime juice when serving leftovers.

Can I use bottled lime juice for the dressing?

While fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.

Can I freeze this pasta salad?

It’s not ideal to freeze pasta salad as the texture of the vegetables and pasta can change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Can I make this salad spicier?

Yes, you can add some finely chopped jalapeños or a little extra chili powder for more heat.

Conclusion

This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is the perfect balance of fresh and flavorful ingredients. With its zesty lime dressing and crunchy vegetables, it’s an ideal dish for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a summer BBQ, or a picnic. It’s quick, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. With al dente pasta, fresh veggies, and a tangy cilantro lime dressing, it’s a crowd-pleasing side or light main meal. Quick to make and can be prepared ahead, this salad is ideal for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Prepare the Veggies: Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro, and set aside.
Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to combine.
Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour for best flavor. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Add Protein: For a heartier option, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans.

Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for heat.

Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, mix in some Greek yogurt or sour cream into the dressing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Mexican