Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is the zesty, vibrant salad you’ll want on repeat all season long! Bright lime, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and a punchy Greek yogurt dressing make every bite taste like sunshine. This irresistible pasta salad bursts with color and fresh flavor—guaranteed to wow at any barbecue, picnic, or potluck.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of wholesome, colorful ingredients to create this irresistible Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad. Each component adds a burst of flavor, eye-catching color, and just the right texture—so every bite feels balanced and crave-worthy.

• Bow Tie Pasta (or your favorite variety): This sturdy pasta holds up well to creamy dressing and scoops up all the goodies in every bite.
• Corn Kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned): Sweet, crisp corn brings sunny pops of crunch and color. Boiling just two ears is perfect, but use what you have!
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they add a burst of color and freshness, especially when halved so every scoop gets some.
• Red Onion: Adds a gentle kick and brilliant purple hue—slice thinly or chop, depending on your texture preference.
• Cilantro: The star flavor, lending herbal notes and an unmistakable zing throughout the salad and dressing.
• Avocado: For creamy richness dotted throughout. Dice just before serving to keep them vibrant and fresh.
• Cotija Cheese (optional): This crumbly, salty cheese brings delightful contrast. Leave it out for a dairy-free variation.
• For the Dressing: Greek Yogurt, Fresh Lime Juice, More Cilantro, Garlic, Salt, Cayenne: Silky yogurt provides creaminess without heaviness, while lime, cilantro, and garlic pack the dressing with flavor. A pinch of cayenne adds gentle warmth.

Variations

One of the best things about Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is how easily you can make it your own. Swap in your favorite veggies, adjust the dressing, or use what you have on hand—there’s no wrong way to get creative.

• Add a Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans for a heartier main-dish salad.
• Make It Spicy: Add chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for extra kick.
• Switch the Cheese: Queso fresco, feta, or sharp cheddar are all delicious alternatives to Cotija.
• Mayo Twist: If you prefer a richer dressing, swap some of the Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
• Go Vegan: Use a dairy-free yogurt, skip the cheese, and you’ll still have a bowlful of bold, plant-based flavor.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Step 1: Blend the Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

Combine Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and cayenne in your food processor. Blend until the dressing is creamy and the cilantro is finely chopped. Give it a taste and adjust lime or salt if needed, then pop it in the fridge to chill while you prep the rest (this lets the flavors mingle and deepen).

Step 2: Cook the Pasta & Prepare the Veggies

Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions in well-salted water until al dente. While the pasta cooks, quickly boil the corn (if using fresh) for about 1½–2 minutes, then let cool and cut from the cob. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, and chop your cilantro so everything is ready to toss together.

Step 3: Toss It All Together

In a big salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Pour your desired amount of the tangy dressing over the mixture, gently tossing until everything is evenly coated and vibrant.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

Right before serving, top each bowlful with diced avocado and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese for the ultimate creamy-salty finish. Toss gently once more if you like, and enjoy every zingy, refreshing bite of Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Garnishes

This salad loves a little flourish! A scatter of extra chopped cilantro, extra Cotija crumbles, or a few paper-thin lime slices take things over the top. For a spicy kick, toss on a few jalapeño rings just before serving.

Side Dishes

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is lively enough to star solo, but pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or black bean burgers. It’s also right at home next to tacos, barbecue favorites, or part of a colorful potluck spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad piled high in a wide platter with contrasting greens underneath, or scoop into individual mason jars for an adorable, grab-and-go presentation at picnics. For parties, mini appetizer cups filled with Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad make for a cheerful, mess-free starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers stored in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days. To preserve the avocado’s freshness, it’s best to add it right before serving each time.

Freezing

Because of the creamy dressing and delicate veggies, Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad doesn’t freeze well—the textures can become watery and soft. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge within a couple of days.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature! If it’s straight from the fridge, just give it a good toss and let it sit for about 10–15 minutes, which perks up the flavors and softens the dressing. No reheating necessary.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re prepping for a backyard cookout or just want a breezy, flavor-packed lunch, Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad has you covered. It’s cheerful, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try, and let every bite bring a little brightness to your day!

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