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Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 93 reviews

This vibrant Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad combines al dente farfalle pasta with fresh sweet corn, crisp red pepper, tangy red onion, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and optional ripe avocado. Tossed in a zesty cilantro lime dressing with a hint of honey and garlic, this salad offers a refreshing, bright flavor ideal for summer meals or potlucks. Served chilled or immediately, it’s a colorful, flavorful dish perfect as a side or light main.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Salad

  • 1 pound farfalle pasta
  • 1 (15.25 ounce) can sweet corn, 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 – see note)

Dressing

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

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly, then drain well again.
  2. Make Dressing: In a blender, combine 2 cups cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, honey, and salt. Blend until smooth and well combined. Alternatively, a hand blender or food processor can be used to make the dressing. Set the dressing aside.
  3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained sweet corn, ½ cup chopped cilantro, diced red peppers, finely diced red onion, and cubed Monterey Jack cheese.
  4. Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared cilantro lime dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing.
  5. Add Avocado (Optional): If serving immediately, add the diced avocado and gently stir into the pasta salad to avoid mashing the avocado. For chilled servings, wait to add avocado right before serving to prevent browning.
  6. Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 hours. If chilling, add avocado just before serving.

Notes

  • Avocado is optional and should be added right before serving, especially if chilling the salad, to prevent browning.
  • Using fresh lime juice gives the dressing a bright, tangy flavor – bottled lime juice is acceptable but fresh is preferred.
  • You can substitute farfalle with other short pasta shapes like rotini or penne.
  • This salad is best served within 3 hours if refrigerated to maintain freshness and texture.
  • To make it vegan, omit the Monterey Jack cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.

Keywords: cilantro lime pasta salad, summer pasta salad, pasta salad with corn and cheese, easy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/cilantro-lime-pasta-salad-recipe-2/