This fresh pasta salad is packed with zesty cilantro and lime flavors, making every bite so tasty! It’s colorful with veggies and perfect for a sunny day or a quick meal.
Honestly, who can resist that tangy lime kick? I love serving this at gatherings; it always disappears fast. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—just mix, chill, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Bow tie pasta is fun and holds the dressing well. If you don’t have it, use rotini or penne instead. Just keep the cooking time in mind as some pasta may take longer.
Corn: Fresh corn gives a sweet crunch, but you can use canned or frozen corn if necessary. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned corn or cook frozen corn to bring out more flavor.
Avocado: Avocado adds creaminess, but if you need a substitute, you could use diced cooked potatoes for texture or omit it entirely for a lighter salad.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key here! However, if you’re not a fan, parsley can work too. It’s not as flavorful, but it adds a nice color.
Dressings: The combo of mayonnaise and sour cream creates a creamy dressing. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream, and you can reduce mayonnaise or use a vinaigrette for a zesty twist!
How Do I Get My Pasta Salad to Have Lots of Flavor?
Flavorful pasta salad makes all the difference! Start with perfectly cooked pasta—aim for al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy. Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking and keeps it firm.
- Make sure to season every layer: sprinkle salt over each ingredient as you mix, not just the dressing.
- Let it chill! This allows the flavors to blend better. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Don’t skip the lime zest! It adds a pop of citrusy flavor that makes this salad feel fresh.
Try tweaking the lime juice and zest based on your taste. A little extra lime can brighten it up even more!
Easy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 1 ear of corn)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. That means you’ll have a delicious salad ready to enjoy in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means firm to the bite. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside to allow the excess water to drain off.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh corn kernels, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Mix everything gently, ensuring that the ingredients are well combined for a colorful and vibrant salad!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and minced garlic until the mixture is smooth. This creamy dressing brings all the flavors together and gives the salad a delightful twist.
4. Combine and Season:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, and gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you’re a fan of citrus, add a little more lime juice to boost the tanginess!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just before serving, give it another gentle toss and feel free to garnish with extra chopped cilantro if you wish.
Enjoy this refreshing, colorful cilantro lime pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta (farfalle) is a fun choice, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the specific pasta you choose.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Corn?
No worries! Canned or frozen corn works perfectly in this recipe. If using canned corn, just drain and rinse it before adding. For frozen corn, you can thaw it by running it under warm water or cook it briefly before using.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the avocado may brown slightly. To brighten it up before serving, you can add a splash of lime juice.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives, like vegan mayo and coconut yogurt. Just make sure the other ingredients, especially the pasta, are also vegan-friendly!
