This bright and zesty pasta salad is a breeze to make! With fresh cilantro, tangy lime, and colorful veggies, it’s perfect for sunny days or picnics.
You can serve it cold or at room temperature, which makes things easy for parties. I love adding extra lime because, honestly, who doesn’t enjoy that tangy kick? 🌿🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used bowtie pasta (farfalle) for its fun shape. If you want, you can use other pasta types like penne or fusilli. Just make sure it’s a shape that holds the dressing well!
Corn: Fresh corn adds a sweet crunch. If it’s not in season, frozen corn is a great substitute. Just thaw it, and you’re good to go. Canned corn works too, but be sure to drain it well!
Avocado: Ripe avocado gives a creamy texture. If avocados aren’t available, you can use diced cucumber for a similar fresh crunch, though it won’t have that creamy element.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a bright flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, basil works well too, just chop it finely.
Dressing: Greek yogurt makes the dressing light and creamy. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise. Adjust the lime juice to match your taste!
How Do You Make a Creamy Dressing That’s Full of Flavor?
The dressing is key to this pasta salad, so let’s make it packed with flavor! Start by mixing sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and mayonnaise in a bowl. The combo gives a creamy base. Add freshly squeezed lime juice for brightness and a bit of minced garlic for zing.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in chopped cilantro, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste it—if you want more zing, add more lime juice!
- Let it chill for a bit. This allows the flavors to blend, making the dressing even tastier!
Using these tips and customizations, you can easily adapt this salad to fit your preferences while keeping it delicious!
Easy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 1 ear of corn)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Cilantro Lime Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Juice of 2 limes (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to chill. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick and refreshing side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set your pasta aside while you prepare the rest!
2. Combine the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh corn kernels, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. This colorful mix is what makes the salad so vibrant!
3. Make the Cilantro Lime Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until it’s nice and smooth and creamy. This dressing is flavorful and brings everything together!
4. Mix Everything Together:
Pour the cilantro lime dressing over your pasta and veggie mixture. Gently toss everything together until it’s evenly coated. This is the moment when all those yummy flavors come together!
5. Taste and Adjust:
Now’s the time to taste the salad! If you feel it needs a little more kick, add some more salt, pepper, or lime juice. Adjusting the flavor to your liking makes all the difference.
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes the salad extra refreshing when served!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature. Don’t forget to garnish with a little extra cilantro for a lovely presentation!
Enjoy this fresh and vibrant salad that perfectly combines tangy lime, creamy avocado, crispy veggies, and tender pasta for a delightful dish everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta (farfalle) is used in this recipe, you can substitute it with other shapes like penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to the package instructions!
What Can I Substitute for Avocado?
If avocado isn’t available or you prefer not to use it, diced cucumber or chopped bell peppers work well as crunchy alternatives. They will add freshness without the creaminess of avocado.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving if you plan to make it ahead of time.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives like vegan yogurt and mayonnaise. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with this fresh and vibrant salad!
