Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad (Super Creamy!) Recipe
This Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish packed with chickpeas, cucumber, corn, and a creamy avocado-cilantro lime dressing enhanced by Greek yogurt. Perfect for meal prep or as a refreshing side, it combines zesty flavors with nourishing ingredients for a wholesome meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cilantro Lime Dressing
- 1 batch Greek Yogurt Avocado Salad Dressing (double the cilantro and omit the parsley from the original dressing recipe)
For the Pasta Salad
- 375g box of short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne), cooked according to package directions
- 1 can (19 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (12 oz) corn kernels, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium cucumber, chopped
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese or cotija cheese, crumbled
- Cilantro, optional, for garnish
- Lime juice, optional, to squeeze on top
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the short pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Make the Dressing: Using a high-speed blender or food processor, prepare the Greek Yogurt Avocado Salad Dressing. Be sure to double the cilantro and omit the parsley as per the recipe modification. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained chickpeas, drained corn, chopped cucumber, and diced red onion. Mix gently to distribute all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Dressing and Cheese: Pour the creamy cilantro lime dressing over the pasta mixture and toss well to ensure everything is coated. Then fold in the crumbled feta or cotija cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish the salad with extra fresh cilantro leaves and squeeze fresh lime juice on top for added zest. Serve immediately or refrigerate to enjoy chilled later.
Notes
- Use short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne to hold the dressing well.
- The salad can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.
- For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and omit cheese or use vegan cheese.
- Make sure to rinse cooked pasta well to cool it and prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
- Adjust lime juice and cilantro amounts according to taste preference for more or less acidity and freshness.
