This refreshing cilantro lime pasta salad is a perfect mix of zesty flavors and colorful veggies. With fresh cilantro and a hint of lime, it’s bright and tasty!
Honestly, this dish is like summer in a bowl! I love serving it at BBQs or picnics since it’s super easy to make and always disappears fast. Who doesn’t love a good pasta salad? 
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is great for this dish, but you could swap it for any pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini. Whole grain or gluten-free pasta are also good options if you have dietary restrictions.
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob adds a lovely crunch, but feel free to use frozen or canned corn for convenience. If you’re skipping corn, diced bell peppers or peas can be fun replacements!
Avocado: Avocado brings creaminess, but it’s not a must. You can use diced cucumber for a lighter crunch or even some crumbled feta cheese for added flavor. Just be sure to serve immediately if you skip the avocado to prevent browning.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor, but if you’re not a fan, try chopped parsley or mint instead. They both offer a fresh taste without the strong flavor of cilantro.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is best for this recipe, but bottled lime juice can work in a pinch. If you’re looking for something different, lemon juice provides a nice alternative too.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad Has the Perfect Texture?
The key to a great pasta salad is cooking the pasta just right. Here’s how to nail that al dente texture:
- Boil a pot of salted water. Salting helps flavor the pasta as it cooks.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it!
- Test the pasta a minute or two before the time is up; it should be firm to the bite but not chewy.
- Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps it from becoming mushy.
Also, always chill the salad before serving — this helps all the flavors meld together nicely for a delicious meal!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz farfalle pasta (or your choice of pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons of juice)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cilantro lime pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. Altogether, you’ll have a tasty salad ready in just about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the farfalle pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This keeps it from getting mushy!
2. Mix the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, corn kernels, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything up.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This dressing will add fantastic flavor to your salad!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together so that the pasta and veggies get coated in the dressing. Taste it and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if you like!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, enjoy your refreshing cilantro lime pasta salad cold!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses farfalle, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose!
How Can I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftover cilantro lime pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and may even taste better the next day! However, if you’re worried about the avocado browning, consider adding it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your thing or you don’t have any on hand, you can use fresh parsley or mint as a substitute. Just remember that the flavor will be slightly different, so adjust the amount to taste!
Can I Add Protein to This Salad?
Definitely! To make this pasta salad a complete meal, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost. Just be sure to adjust the dressing quantity slightly to compensate for the additional ingredients!
