If you’re craving something bright, zesty, and utterly refreshing, my Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is about to become your new go-to! With crisp veggies, creamy feta, tender pasta, and the most dreamy cilantro-lime dressing, this salad is a true celebration of flavor and color—perfect for potlucks, quick lunches, or anytime you want a big bowl of happy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Freshness: With cucumbers, fresh cilantro, and a spritz of lime, every bite delivers pure, summery brightness.
- Protein-Packed and Satisfying: Chickpeas and creamy feta make this salad hearty enough for a main dish or a super-charged side.
- 30-Minute Wonder: You’ll have this wholesome, crowd-pleasing dish on the table in under half an hour—prep and all!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad stays crisp and flavorful, making it the perfect choice for meal prep, picnics, or next-day lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is deliciously simple, yet every ingredient plays its own starring role. Get ready for a medley of textures and tangy, bold flavors, with just the right creamy notes and herby freshness.
- Pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne): Short pasta holds onto the zippy dressing and all the veggie goodness. Rotini is my favorite, but any small shape works well.
- Greek Yogurt Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing: The secret sauce—creamy Greek yogurt with double the cilantro, fresh lime juice, and ripe avocado for richness. Leave out the parsley so the cilantro flavor can truly shine.
- Chickpeas: These add a plant-based protein boost and a subtle nuttiness that’s so satisfying.
- Canned Corn: Brings a pop of sweetness and sunny color—fresh or frozen corn can be swapped in for extra crunch.
- Cucumber: Cool, crisp, and hydrating, cucumber balances the tangy notes and adds incredible texture.
- Red Onion: Just a bit, finely diced, gives lovely sharpness and color contrast without overpowering.
- Feta or Cojita Cheese: Both add a creamy, salty element that ties the whole salad together—choose your favorite, or go half-and-half!
- Cilantro (for garnish): Extra leaves scattered over the top make the flavor burst even brighter.
- Lime Juice (for serving): A final squeeze brings every flavor to life right before you dig in.
Variations
This Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is infinitely flexible, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! With a few swaps or add-ins, you’ll have a bowl that suits your taste, mood, or whatever’s in your pantry.
- Add Fresh Veggies: Try bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots for even more crunch and color.
- Make it Vegan: Skip the cheese or use your favorite plant-based feta to keep things dairy-free and delicious.
- Spice It Up: A handful of chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of chili flakes adds just the right kick for spice lovers.
- Try Different Beans: Black beans or white beans can step in for chickpeas for a tasty variation and a slightly different texture.
How to Make Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Step 1: Whip Up the Cilantro Lime Dressing
Toss all the dressing ingredients—ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, double the fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, and a pinch of salt—into your blender or food processor. Blitz until you have a creamy, electric-green dressing! Taste and adjust the lime or cilantro to make it as tangy and herby as you adore.
Step 2: Prep the Pasta and Veggies
While the dressing comes together, cook your pasta in generously salted water until just al dente—nobody wants mushy noodles here! Drain, rinse with cool water to stop the cooking, and set aside. Meanwhile, chop the cucumber, dice that punchy red onion, and get the chickpeas and corn ready to go.
Step 3: Bring it All Together
Grab your biggest mixing bowl and toss in the cooked pasta, chickpeas, corn, cucumber, and red onion. Pour over that vibrant cilantro lime dressing, and toss, toss, toss—make sure every nibble is gorgeously coated.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Finishing Touches
Sprinkle crumbled feta (or cojita) over the salad and gently fold it in. Finish with extra cilantro leaves and a squeeze of fresh lime right before serving for maximum flavor—it’s like an instant summer party in a bowl!
Pro Tips for Making Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
- Choose the Right Pasta: Stick with shapes like rotini or penne that grab onto that creamy cilantro lime dressing—avoid long noodles so you get a little bit of everything in every forkful!
- Cool it Down: After draining, rinse the pasta with cold water to keep it from getting gummy and to help preserve the crisp texture of all the fresh veggies.
- Dressing Goes Last Minute: For the boldest flavors, toss with the dressing just before serving if you’re making ahead—your Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad will taste even brighter.
- Customize the Creaminess: If you prefer a silkier salad, reserve a dollop of dressing to swirl in right before serving, or add a splash of extra lime juice for more zing.
How to Serve Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Garnishes
Bring your salad to life with a generous shower of fresh cilantro leaves, crumbled feta, and a few extra lime wedges on the side. For a spicy twist, scatter on thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili pepper—colorful and spicy!
Side Dishes
This vibrant Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or your favorite veggie kabobs. It’s a hit alongside BBQ classics, tacos, or just about any dish that needs a fresh punch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pasta salad in lettuce cups for a fun handheld bite, spooned into mason jars for picnic-ready lunches, or piled onto a large platter garnished with edible flowers for stunning presentation at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better overnight—just give it a fresh toss before serving to revive its vibrant texture.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it, avoid adding the cheese or extra dressing until after thawing. Expect a softer texture, but the flavors will still shine after a gentle toss and fresh citrus added at serving.
Reheating
No reheating required! This pasta salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature—perfect for hot days or lazy, no-cook lunches.
FAQs
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Can I make the Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together. For best results, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving if possible.
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What’s the best pasta shape to use for this salad?
Short, twisty shapes like rotini or fusilli are perfect because they grab on to all the dressing and mix-ins. Avoid long pasta or delicate shapes that might break apart with tossing.
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Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt in the dressing?
Yes, but Greek yogurt gives a thicker, creamier dressing. If using regular, try to strain it first or use a little less to keep the dressing from being too runny.
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How can I make this pasta salad gluten-free?
Just swap in your favorite gluten-free short pasta! All the other ingredients in Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is sunshine in a bowl—so lively, hearty, and satisfying! I hope it finds a spot at all your gatherings, lunchboxes, or anytime you crave a pop of zesty, wholesome flavor. Give it a try and let this salad brighten up your table!
Print
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side. With a zesty cilantro lime dressing, this salad is packed with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, corn, and crunchy vegetables.
Ingredients
Cilantro Lime Dressing:
- 1 batch Greek Yogurt Avocado Salad Dressing (double the cilantro, omit the parsley)
Pasta Salad:
- 1 375g box pasta (short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or penne), cooked
- 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, optional, for garnish
- lime juice, optional, to squeeze on top
Instructions
- Make the Cilantro Lime Dressing: Blitz the ingredients together in a blender or food processor. Set aside.
- Prepare the Pasta Salad: Combine the cooked pasta, chickpeas, corn, cucumber, and red onion in a large bowl.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until well-coated.
- Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle feta cheese on top and gently mix into the salad.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
