The Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a refreshingly bold dish, packed with the flavors of zesty lime and fresh herbs. Combined with juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and sweet corn, this salad offers the perfect contrast of textures and brightness. It’s a go-to for warm weather gatherings or a light, fuss-free lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Make it your own by adding black beans, grilled chicken, or swapping the pasta for a gluten-free version. The homemade lime vinaigrette ties it all together in a way that’s light, tangy, and irresistible. Ideal for meal prep or served fresh, this salad is a true star for summer dining.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 oz bowtie pasta (or any short pasta)
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1/4 cup olive oil
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3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
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1/2 teaspoon lime zest
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
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1/4 teaspoon cumin
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
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1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
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1 cup canned corn, drained (or fresh grilled corn)
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1 avocado, diced
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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Optional: crumbled cotija cheese or feta
Directions:
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Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, red onion, cherry tomatoes, corn, and avocado.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
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Add chopped cilantro and gently mix again.
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Top with optional cheese if desired.
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Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Refreshing Twist: Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad for Every Occasion
When it comes to light, vibrant, and flavor-packed meals, few recipes match the appeal of a Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad. With its fresh herbs, citrus zing, creamy textures, and bold seasoning, this dish effortlessly transitions between a hearty side and a light main course. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, planning a barbecue, or simply looking for an easy, no-fuss weeknight meal, this pasta salad delivers on every level.
This recipe is more than just pasta tossed with veggies, it’s a celebration of summer flavors, a fusion of Latin-inspired zest with traditional pasta comfort. The tang of fresh lime juice, the herbal brightness of cilantro, the creamy goodness of avocado, and the sweetness of corn all come together to create a balanced, colorful, and nourishing dish. And the best part? It’s as flexible as it is flavorful.
Let’s explore what makes this dish so special, how you can tailor it to your taste, and why it deserves a permanent spot in your seasonal recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
There’s a reason this pasta salad has become a favorite in kitchens around the world. Here’s what makes it a standout:
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Quick & Easy: This salad comes together in under 30 minutes, with minimal cooking involved.
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Bursting With Flavor: The lime and cilantro provide a zesty, herbaceous flavor that lifts the entire dish.
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Highly Versatile: You can add protein, swap veggies, or use gluten-free pasta, it’s endlessly customizable.
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Meal-Prep Friendly: Store it in the fridge and enjoy it over a couple of days. The flavor gets even better!
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Perfect for Every Season: While it screams “summer,” this salad is equally satisfying year-round.
Flavor Profile: A Tangy, Herbal Symphony
This salad is defined by its zesty dressing and fresh ingredients. The homemade cilantro-lime vinaigrette is the key element, offering a perfect blend of citrus tang, earthiness, and a touch of sweetness.
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Lime juice and zest add a citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness of the avocado and oil.
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Cilantro, loved for its unique aroma and peppery finish, brings a garden-fresh punch.
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Olive oil serves as a smooth base for the dressing, while honey or maple syrup balances the acidity with a subtle sweetness.
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Cumin adds a hint of warmth and a slightly smoky undertone that echoes Southwest flavors.
Tossed with tender pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, juicy corn, red onion, and creamy diced avocado, the whole salad becomes a medley of textures and vibrant color.
Ingredient Breakdown and Benefits
Let’s look closer at the core ingredients and what they bring to the table, both flavor-wise and nutritionally.
Pasta
Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is a fun shape that holds the dressing well and provides a sturdy base. You can also use fusilli, rotini, or penne. Whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds more fiber and protein.
Cilantro
Cilantro isn’t just flavorful, it’s also packed with antioxidants, vitamin K, and small amounts of immune-boosting nutrients.
Lime
Fresh lime juice is essential. It contains vitamin C and acts as a natural preservative in the salad, helping keep avocado fresh longer.
Corn
Corn adds natural sweetness and crunch. It’s high in fiber and contains lutein, which is great for eye health.
Avocado
Creamy, buttery avocado adds richness while providing healthy fats, potassium, and magnesium.
Cherry Tomatoes
These little gems add juiciness and an acidic pop. They’re high in lycopene and vitamin C.
Red Onion
Sliced thin, red onions contribute a gentle bite and offer a dose of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Optional Cheese
A sprinkle of cotija or feta cheese brings a salty contrast and a creamy touch. It’s optional but highly recommended for those who enjoy a savory edge.
Variations and Add-Ons
This salad is a fantastic base for experimentation. Here are some optional ingredients and swaps:
Protein Boost
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Grilled chicken or shrimp makes it a full entrée.
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Black beans or chickpeas add plant-based protein and fiber.
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Tofu or tempeh work well for vegan versions.
Extra Veggies
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Bell peppers, cucumbers, or spinach can add crunch and nutrition.
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Jalapeño slices bring a spicy kick for those who like heat.
Pasta Swaps
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Use gluten-free pasta or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for dietary preferences.
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Try quinoa or couscous for a grain-based twist.
What to Serve With Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
This dish plays well with a wide variety of meals. Serve it as:
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A side dish with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork chops
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A potluck offering alongside BBQ favorites like ribs or burgers
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A light lunch with a green smoothie or iced tea
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A wrap filling, yes, toss this into a tortilla with some spinach for a fresh wrap!
Storage Tips
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
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Store in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent wilting.
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Add avocado just before serving if you’re prepping in advance, to avoid browning.
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If the salad dries out a bit, refresh with a little extra lime juice and olive oil before serving.
Avoid freezing, as the pasta and avocado texture will be compromised.
Nutritional Highlights
This dish checks a lot of boxes for healthy eating:
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Vegetarian-friendly
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Rich in fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins
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Naturally gluten-free adaptable
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Low in sugar and can be made vegan
Each serving offers a balanced mix of complex carbs, healthy fats, and antioxidants, perfect for anyone looking for a clean, flavorful meal.
Crowd-Pleasing for Every Occasion
There’s something magical about a salad that can serve as both a stunning centerpiece and a humble meal-prep hero. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a brunch, or meal prepping for a busy week ahead, this recipe adapts beautifully. Kids love the creamy avocado and pasta; adults love the freshness and versatility.
Plus, with bright greens, sunny yellows, and juicy reds, it’s a visually striking dish that photographs beautifully, perfect for Instagram moments and entertaining.
Final Thoughts
In a world of complicated recipes and long prep times, this Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad proves that great food doesn’t need to be difficult. With a short ingredient list and a 25-minute prep time, it’s proof that fresh, homemade meals can be both simple and sensational.
This salad invites creativity, customization, and seasonal adaptation. Add what you love, skip what you don’t, and you’ll still end up with a nourishing, crowd-pleasing bowl of flavor.
So, whether you’re packing a picnic basket or prepping weekday lunches, let this cilantro-lime wonder add a little zest to your table. It’s bright, bold, and guaranteed to make your taste buds dance.