Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad (Super Creamy!) Recipe
Introduction
This Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a vibrant, creamy dish perfect for warm days and quick meals. With a tangy Greek yogurt avocado dressing and a mix of crisp veggies, it’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 batch Greek Yogurt Avocado Salad Dressing (double the cilantro and omit the parsley)
- 1 (375g) box short pasta (such as rotini, fusilli, or penne), cooked according to package directions
- 1 (19 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (12 oz) can corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium cucumber, chopped
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese or cotija cheese, crumbled
- Cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Lime juice (optional, to squeeze on top)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the cilantro lime dressing by blending the ingredients together in a blender or food processor. Set the dressing aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chickpeas, corn, chopped cucumber, and diced red onion.
- Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well until all components are evenly coated.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and gently toss again to integrate it into the salad.
- Step 5: Serve the salad garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a vegan version, substitute the Greek yogurt avocado dressing with a dairy-free creamy dressing and omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Try adding diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
- Use fresh corn kernels if in season for a sweeter taste.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, but the salad is best enjoyed within the first two days for freshness. When ready to serve, stir gently and add extra lime juice or fresh herbs if needed. This salad can be served cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Prepare it a few hours in advance or the day before to allow the flavors to meld. Keep it refrigerated until serving.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne work best as they hold the dressing well and mix nicely with the other ingredients.
PrintFresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad (Super Creamy!) Recipe
A fresh and healthy cilantro lime pasta salad that is super creamy and bursting with vibrant flavors. Featuring a homemade Greek yogurt avocado dressing, this salad combines tender pasta, chickpeas, crunchy cucumber, sweet corn, and tangy feta cheese for a nutritious and satisfying meal or side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 batch Greek Yogurt Avocado Salad Dressing (with double the cilantro and no parsley)
Salad
- 1 (375g) box short pasta (such as rotini, fusilli, or penne), cooked according to package directions
- 1 (19 oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (12 oz.) can corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium cucumber, chopped
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese or cojita cheese, crumbled
- Cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Lime juice, for squeezing on top (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Make the cilantro lime dressing by blending together the Greek yogurt avocado dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked and cooled pasta, drained chickpeas, drained corn, chopped cucumber, and diced red onion.
- Add dressing: Drizzle the prepared cilantro lime dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Incorporate cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta or cojita cheese on top, then gently toss again to distribute the cheese throughout the salad without breaking it down too much.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top if desired. Serve immediately or chill for later enjoyment.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled but can be enjoyed immediately for a fresher taste.
- Use short pasta types like rotini, fusilli, or penne to hold the dressing well.
- For a vegan variation, substitute the Greek yogurt avocado dressing with a dairy-free dressing and omit the feta cheese.
- Adjust the amount of cilantro in the dressing to your taste preference.
- Make sure to drain and rinse canned chickpeas and corn to reduce sodium content.
Keywords: cilantro lime pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, Greek yogurt dressing, avocado dressing, healthy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad, easy summer salad
