Introduction

This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for any occasion. It combines zesty lime, bright cilantro, and creamy cheese for a flavorful and satisfying salad that’s easy to make and sure to please.

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 pound pasta (farfalle recommended)
15.25 ounces sweet corn (1 can, drained)
½ cup cilantro (chopped)
2 red peppers (diced)
½ red onion (finely diced)
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese (cut into ½ inch cubes)
2 avocados (diced, optional)
2 cups cilantro
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup lime juice
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain it, then rinse under cold water to cool. Drain again thoroughly.
Step 2: Make the dressing by blending together the 2 cups cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, honey, and salt until smooth. Set the dressing aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sweet corn, ½ cup chopped cilantro, red pepper, red onion, and Monterey Jack cheese.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: If serving right away, fold in the diced avocado gently to avoid mashing. If chilling, wait to add avocado until just before serving.
Step 6: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 hours to allow flavors to blend.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, omit the Monterey Jack cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
Add black beans or grilled chicken for extra protein and heartiness.
If you don’t have a blender, mix the dressing ingredients well by whisking and finely chopping the cilantro.
The avocado adds creaminess but is optional to keep the salad fresh longer when chilling.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent browning. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli works well in this salad.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Add the avocado just before serving and toss gently to prevent browning. You can also toss avocado pieces with a little lime juice to slow the process.

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 121 reviews

This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish combining tender pasta with sweet corn, crunchy red peppers, sharp red onion, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing. It’s perfect as a side for summer barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch, with an optional addition of creamy avocado for extra richness.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

1 pound farfalle pasta
1 can (15.25 ounces) sweet corn, drained
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 red peppers, diced
½ red onion, finely diced
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, cut into ½ inch cubes
2 avocados, diced (optional, see notes)

Dressing Ingredients

2 cups fresh cilantro
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup fresh lime juice
1 garlic clove
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Drain again thoroughly.
Prepare the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the 2 cups cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, garlic clove, honey, and salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside the dressing.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained corn, ½ cup chopped cilantro, diced red peppers, finely diced red onion, and cubed Monterey Jack cheese.
Toss with Dressing: Pour the cilantro lime dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
Add Avocado (Optional): If serving immediately, gently fold in the diced avocados to add creaminess and freshness. If planning to chill the salad, wait to add avocado until just before serving to prevent browning.
Serve or Chill: Serve the pasta salad right away for best texture and flavor or refrigerate it for up to 3 hours to let the flavors meld. Add avocado just prior to serving if chilled.

Notes

The avocado is optional and should be added just before serving if you chill the salad, to maintain its color and texture.
Farfalle pasta is recommended for its shape, but any bite-sized pasta will work well.
This salad can be made up to 3 hours in advance and chilled, making it great for meal prep or parties.
Use fresh lime juice for the best bright flavor in the dressing.
Adjust salt to taste, especially if your cheese is salty.

Keywords: Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad, Summer Salad, Farfalle Pasta, Vegetarian Pasta Salad, Cilantro Dressing