Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe
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.
- 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
Find it online: https://stirringwithstella.com/cilantro-lime-pasta-salad-recipe/
