Description
This vibrant Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a refreshing and tangy dish packed with bold flavors, tender pasta, and a zesty homemade cilantro-lime dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light dinner, this easy recipe brings a delicious Southwest twist to your pasta salad lineup.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup corn (grilled or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Cilantro Lime Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, corn, cherry tomatoes, black beans, red onion, avocado, and chopped cilantro.
- In a blender or food processor, combine all dressing ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- To make it vegan, swap Greek yogurt and mayo for vegan alternatives.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Can be made a day in advance; just add avocado right before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
