Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Name: Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 16 oz bow tie pasta (cooked and cooled); 1½ cups corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn, cooked); 1½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved); ½ small red onion (chopped or thinly sliced); 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (finely chopped); 1–2 avocados (diced); ¼ cup cotija cheese (crumbled, optional); ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes); ¼ cup cilantro (roughly chopped, leaves and stems); 2 garlic cloves; ½ tsp salt; ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper

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A refreshing, vibrant, and creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is the perfect summer dish that balances tangy lime, creamy avocado, and crisp seasonal vegetables. This light yet satisfying pasta salad bursts with bold Mexican-inspired flavors and is a crowd favorite at picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners. With a creamy cilantro lime dressing made from Greek yogurt, this recipe keeps things nutritious, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

A Fresh and Flavor-Packed Summer Salad

Unlike traditional mayo-heavy pasta salads, this Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is lightened up with Greek yogurt, offering protein and a smooth, tangy texture. It’s packed with colorful vegetables like corn, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, creating a vibrant mix that looks as good as it tastes. The creamy lime-cilantro dressing brings a zesty brightness that perfectly complements the earthy sweetness of the corn and the richness of the avocado.

This dish is not only delicious but also versatile — it can be served as a refreshing side dish or transformed into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad

• Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle): Adds a sturdy base that holds dressing beautifully.
• Corn: Sweet and juicy, adds crunch and freshness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Provide a burst of acidity and color.
• Red Onion: Offers a subtle sharpness without overpowering the dish.
• Cilantro: Adds earthy, citrusy notes throughout the salad.
• Avocado: Brings creamy texture and healthy fats.
• Cotija Cheese (optional): A salty, crumbly touch that enhances flavor.

For the Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

• Plain Greek Yogurt: The base that gives the dressing its creamy consistency and tang.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Brings the zesty, citrus backbone of the dish.
• Cilantro (Leaves & Stems): Delivers fresh, herbal depth.
• Garlic: Adds savory richness to the dressing.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
• Cayenne Pepper: A touch of gentle heat that brightens the overall taste.

Ingredient Swaps and Alternatives

If you’re missing an ingredient or have dietary preferences, try these alternatives:
• Pasta: Substitute with rotini, penne, or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
• Corn: Use canned or frozen corn if fresh isn’t available.
• Greek Yogurt: Replace with sour cream or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt.
• Cotija Cheese: Feta or queso fresco make great substitutes.
• Cilantro: For those not fond of cilantro, parsley with lime zest offers a milder twist.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Prepare the Dressing: In a food processor, combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper. Blend until completely smooth. Chill in the refrigerator while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let it cool completely.
Cook the Corn: Boil the corn cobs for 1½–2 minutes until bright yellow and tender. Cut the kernels off the cob once cooled.
Mix the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro.
Add the Dressing: Pour your desired amount of cilantro lime dressing over the mixture. Toss thoroughly until every piece is coated in creamy, tangy goodness.
Add the Finishing Touches: Gently fold in diced avocado right before serving to maintain its texture. Sprinkle cotija cheese on top for a final touch of saltiness.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately as a side dish or top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Cool the Pasta Fully: Warm pasta will absorb too much dressing, making the salad dry later.
• Use Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled versions don’t deliver the same brightness.
• Double the Dressing: The pasta absorbs dressing as it sits—keep an extra half batch ready for leftovers.
• Grill the Corn: Adds smoky sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
• Add Avocado Last: To prevent browning, mix avocado just before serving.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Version: Add a finely chopped jalapeño to the dressing for an extra kick.
• Protein-Packed Option: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans to make it a filling meal.
• Vegan-Friendly: Substitute Greek yogurt with cashew or almond yogurt and skip the cheese.
• Southwest Twist: Add black beans, roasted bell peppers, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
• Sweet and Tangy: Add diced mango or pineapple for a tropical variation that pairs perfectly with lime.

How to Store Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. For best freshness, remove the avocado before refrigerating—it tends to brown. Add freshly diced avocado right before serving again. Toss with extra dressing if needed to revive the creamy texture.

Avoid freezing this dish since thawing changes the texture of the pasta and dressing.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

You can easily prep components of this salad in advance:
• Cook pasta, corn, and chop veggies 1–2 days before serving.
• Make dressing up to two days ahead and keep refrigerated.
• Add avocado and cheese right before serving for the best presentation and texture.

Why This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Stands Out

This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad isn’t your typical picnic dish — it’s creamy without being heavy, flavorful without being overpowering, and refreshing enough to pair with grilled favorites or stand alone as a main course. The combination of citrus, herbs, and creamy yogurt makes every bite satisfying yet light, ideal for hot summer days.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a healthy weekday lunch, this vibrant and zesty salad will always impress with its fresh taste and beautiful presentation.

Conclusion

The Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad brings together everything you love about summer — bright flavors, fresh ingredients, and creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the perfect balance of texture and taste, offering a refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads. Whether served at a family cookout, picnic, or as a quick weekday meal, this salad’s zesty cilantro lime flavor and creamy yogurt base make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Simple to prepare, easy to customize, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad proves that healthy can still mean indulgent. Once you try it, it’s bound to become your go-to summer side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare most components in advance. Cook and cool the pasta, grill or boil the corn, chop the vegetables, and make the dressing up to two days before serving. For the best texture, add avocado and cheese right before serving and toss with a little extra dressing to refresh the salad.

2. How do I keep the avocado from browning in the salad?

To keep avocado fresh and green, add it right before serving. If you need to store leftovers, you can squeeze a little lime juice over the avocado or remove it before refrigerating. Add new diced avocado when ready to serve again for the best flavor and presentation.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the Greek yogurt in the dressing with a plant-based alternative like almond, soy, or cashew yogurt. Skip or replace the cotija cheese with a vegan crumble or nutritional yeast for a similar salty flavor. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

More Relevant Recipes

Honey Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing: This light and tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with fresh greens or pasta salads. Its bright citrus flavor and hint of sweetness make it a perfect companion to dishes like Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta: A flavorful pasta dish with a rich, spiced cream sauce and juicy shrimp. Its bold, zesty profile makes it a deliciously warm counterpart to the refreshing Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad.
Chickpea Avocado and Feta Salad: Packed with creamy avocado, tangy feta, and protein-rich chickpeas, this Mediterranean-inspired salad shares the same fresh and satisfying feel as the Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad.

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