Description
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a bright and refreshing side dish packed with fresh herbs, colorful vegetables, tender pasta, and a zesty homemade lime dressing. This easy recipe is perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, taco nights, and summer gatherings. With bold flavors and a fresh citrus twist, it’s a crowd-pleasing salad everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 black beans can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
For the Cilantro Lime Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- Grilled chicken
- Jalapeño slices
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Extra lime wedges
- Diced cucumber
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, honey, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and avocado.
- Combine ingredients: Add cooled pasta, vegetables, black beans, cilantro, and cheese to a large bowl.
- Add dressing: Pour the cilantro lime dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve: Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or cheese before enjoying.
Notes
For the freshest flavor, add avocado just before serving. This pasta salad can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. If making ahead, reserve a little dressing to refresh the salad before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: cilantro lime pasta salad, zesty pasta salad, summer pasta salad, mexican pasta salad, bbq side dish, easy potluck salad
