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Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad – Fresh, Easy & Zesty

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Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a fresh, zesty, and colorful dish made with tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a bright cilantro lime dressing. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for summer meals, potlucks, or meal prep.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad, Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling / Mixing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz short pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne)
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)

Cilantro Lime Dressing

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain pasta, rinse briefly with cold water, and let cool completely.
  3. While pasta cools, prepare vegetables by chopping bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and black beans if using.
  6. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
  7. Fold in avocado last to avoid mashing.
  8. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Add avocado just before serving if making ahead.
  • Do not overcook the pasta to prevent a mushy salad.
  • Refresh leftovers with a splash of lime juice or olive oil.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/cilantro-lime-pasta-salad/