Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a fresh, zesty, and colorful dish that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings, potlucks, or as a quick weekday lunch. It combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables, black beans, and a tangy cilantro-lime dressing that delivers bold Southwestern flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a vibrant twist on traditional pasta salads, offering a bright and citrusy flavor profile with the refreshing taste of fresh cilantro. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and loaded with wholesome ingredients. Whether served as a side dish or a light main, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time and is easily customizable to your taste or dietary needs.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (rotini, penne, or bow tie), cooked and cooled

• Black beans, drained and rinsed

• Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)

• Red bell pepper, diced

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Red onion, finely chopped

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Juice of fresh limes

• Olive oil

• Garlic, minced

• Honey or agave syrup

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: avocado, diced

directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.

2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey (or agave), salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.

4. Pour the cilantro-lime dressing over the pasta salad and toss well to coat all ingredients.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.

6. Optionally, gently fold in diced avocado just before serving.

7. Chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a protein-packed version.

• Use quinoa or couscous instead of pasta for a gluten-free or lighter option.

• Replace black beans with chickpeas or pinto beans if preferred.

• Include jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

• Substitute Greek yogurt for olive oil in the dressing for a creamy version.

storage/reheating

Store the cilantro lime pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
It is best served cold or at room temperature. If storing with avocado, consider adding it fresh when serving to prevent browning.
No reheating is necessary. Stir well before serving if the dressing has settled.

FAQs

Can I make cilantro lime pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it a few hours in advance or the night before, allowing the flavors to deepen.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta varieties like rotini, penne, bow ties, or shells are ideal as they hold the dressing well and mix evenly with the other ingredients.

Is this pasta salad vegan?

Yes, it can be vegan if you use agave syrup instead of honey and avoid any animal-based additions like cheese or meat.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

If using avocado, add it right before serving and drizzle it with a little extra lime juice to slow oxidation.

Can I use a food processor for the dressing?

Yes, a food processor can be used to blend the cilantro-lime dressing for a smoother texture.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or chopped spinach for extra crunch and nutrition.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s naturally mild, but you can make it spicy by adding jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.

Can I freeze pasta salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of pasta and fresh vegetables will degrade after thawing.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

Conclusion

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and versatile dish that brings bright citrus flavors and bold Southwestern flair to the table. It’s perfect for casual meals, gatherings, or meal prep. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is a go-to choice for any occasion where you want something light, flavorful, and satisfying.