This refreshing cilantro lime pasta salad is bursting with flavor! With zesty lime and fresh cilantro, it’s a bright side dish that everyone will love. Perfect for picnics or quick dinners!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is fun to eat, but you can easily swap it for other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne. Gluten-free pasta works just as well if you’re avoiding gluten!
Corn: Fresh corn gives a sweet crunch, but canned or frozen corn can be great substitutes. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned corn before use, and cook frozen corn to bring out the flavor.
Avocado: If you’re not a fan of avocado or don’t have one, you can substitute it with diced cucumber. It adds a similar refreshing crunch!
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both add creaminess, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, plain yogurt or even a vegan yogurt works too. For a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt is excellent!
Honey or Agave Syrup: If you prefer a sugar-free option, a splash of maple syrup or a pinch of stevia works well too. It helps balance the lime’s acidity!
How Do You Ensure Flavorful Dressing?
The dressing ties everything together, so it’s essential to get it right! Start by whisking the sour cream (or yogurt), lime juice, and olive oil in a bowl until smooth. The lime juice adds a zesty brightness, setting the tone for the whole salad.
- Incorporate minced garlic; it packs flavor!
- Add salt and pepper to enhance the other ingredients.
- Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust with more lime juice or honey to find your perfect balance.
Letting the pasta salad chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together, making every bite delightful!
Easy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 1 ear of corn)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Estimate:
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After mixing everything together, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, so the flavors get a chance to blend. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes from start to finish including the chilling time.
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Once it’s done, drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey (or agave syrup), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth. Then, stir in half of the chopped cilantro to give it a fresh kick!
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh corn kernels, diced avocado, red onion, and the remaining cilantro. Make sure everything is mixed together nicely for balanced flavors.
4. Dress the Salad:
Now, take the cilantro lime dressing you made and pour it over the pasta salad. Gently toss everything together to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
5. Season and Chill:
Give your salad a taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Then, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together and makes the salad even more delicious!
6. Serve:
After chilling, serve the pasta salad cold or at room temperature. It’s a perfect side dish or a light lunch all on its own. Enjoy this vibrant and fresh pasta salad bursting with flavor!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute farfalle with any gluten-free pasta shape you prefer. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. Just give it a quick stir before enjoying!
What Can I Use Instead of Avocado?
If you’re not a fan of avocado or don’t have one on hand, diced cucumber makes a great substitute. It will add a refreshing crunch to your salad!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it a day in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator. Just hold off on adding the avocado until just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
