Description
This refreshing Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is bursting with bold flavors and vibrant colors. Made with tender pasta, fresh veggies, and a tangy cilantro lime dressing, it’s the ultimate side dish or vegetarian meal. Quick, easy, and perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Salad:
- 8 oz pasta (rotini or bowties work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or grilled)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- For the Cilantro Lime Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, corn, black beans, red onion, avocado, and chopped cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Garnish with extra lime wedges and cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Best served cold and consumed within 2 days for freshness.
- To prevent avocado from browning, add it just before serving.
