This refreshing cilantro lime pasta salad is a bright mix of flavors! With pasta, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime, it’s perfect for warm days or a picnic.
I love how quick it is to whip up—just toss everything together. It’s a great way to use up leftover pasta, and the taste makes me feel like I’m on a sunny vacation! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is great since its shape holds onto dressing well. If you’re out of rotini, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bow ties works perfectly too. Just remember to cook it al dente for the best texture!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a bright flavor to the salad. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a suitable alternative, offering a milder taste. However, this will change the salad’s character a bit, so keep that in mind.
Cherry Tomatoes: Use a mix of red and yellow for extra color and sweetness. If you can’t find them, diced regular tomatoes or even roasted red peppers can add a lovely touch. Just make sure to drain excess moisture!
Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: Both make the salad creamy. Greek yogurt gives a tangy flavor and is a healthier choice. If you’re looking to go dairy-free, try using avocado or a vegan mayo.
Red Onion: Sweet onions or green onions are good substitutes if red onion is too strong for your taste. Green onions will add a fresh crunch too!
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Stays Fresh and Flavorful?
To keep your pasta salad tasting its best, follow these simple tips. First, cook your pasta just until al dente, so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with other ingredients. Rinsing it under cold water is essential to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Firmly mix the dressing with the pasta and veggies to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together nicely.
- Before serving, do a quick taste test. Adjust silverings with extra lime juice or salt if needed for that perfect zing!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta), cooked al dente
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (a mix of red and yellow if possible)
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (cooked or raw)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for a subtle earthiness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra moisture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare and cook the ingredients, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill the salad in the refrigerator. This time allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making it even more delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this means it should still have a little bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cool water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Set the pasta aside.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh corn kernels, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together nicely.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil (if you’re using it), ground cumin (if desired), salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined!
4. Mix Everything Together:
Pour the creamy cilantro lime dressing over the pasta and veggie mixture. Toss everything together carefully, ensuring that all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
5. Adjust Seasonings:
Take a quick taste of your salad. If you feel it needs a little more flavor, add extra salt, pepper, or a splash more lime juice. Adjust it to your liking!
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets all the flavors meld together for a more flavorful dish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a gentle toss again. If you’d like, you can garnish it with some extra cilantro leaves for a fresh touch. This pasta salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light meal!
This fresh and tangy cilantro lime pasta salad brings together vibrant flavors and is a great choice for any summer outing!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works best, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even bow tie pasta will do just fine. Just make sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
You can easily make this pasta salad vegan by substituting the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative or using mashed avocado for creaminess. Just remember to check that any other ingredients, like the Greek yogurt, are also plant-based!
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Corn?
If fresh corn isn’t available, you can use canned corn or frozen corn. If using frozen, just make sure to thaw it beforehand and drain any excess liquid so the salad doesn’t become watery.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, try to avoid adding any extra dressing until you’re ready to enjoy it again!
