Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad (Super Creamy!) Recipe

This Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is the cheerful, zippy dish that your potlucks, picnics, and busy weeknight dinners have been craving! Brimming with crisp veggies, hearty chickpeas, and a tangy, creamy Greek yogurt dressing, every bite is the just-right balance of fresh flavors, vibrant color, and satisfying texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a few pantry and fridge staples come together to create the magic that is Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad. Each ingredient brings its own punch of color, flavor, or texture, so don’t skip out on any of them for that perfect balance.

• Short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne): These shapes grab onto the creamy dressing, which means more flavor in every forkful!
• Greek Yogurt Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing: Blended with extra cilantro and lime, this tangy, creamy sauce is the secret superstar of the salad.
• Chickpeas (1 can, drained and rinsed): They add a lovely, nutty texture along with a boost of plant-based protein to keep you satisfied.
• Corn (1 can, drained): Sweet pops of yellow that brighten every bite and play so well with the tangy dressing.
• Cucumber (chopped): For summery, crunchy freshness—I like to leave the skins on for extra color!
• Red onion (diced): Adds sharp bite and contrast to all that creamy, zippy goodness.
• Feta or cotija cheese (crumbled): Just a sprinkle right at the end delivers a salty, decadent punch—don’t be shy!
• Fresh cilantro, optional: For garnish and that signature herbal aroma.
• Lime juice, optional: A squeeze over each serving makes the flavors absolutely sing.

Variations

One of the best things about Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is how endlessly customizable it is. Feel free to use what’s in your pantry or garden, and make little swaps based on what you’re craving or who you’re serving!

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp: Amp up the protein if you want this salad to double as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
• Swap the chickpeas for black beans: A simple trade for a more Southwest-inspired twist, plus extra fiber!
• Make it dairy-free: Use a vegan feta or simply skip the cheese and add some chopped avocado for extra creaminess.
• Load it with extra veggies: Bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, or even chopped spinach are all right at home here.
• Add a smoky kick: A sprinkle of chipotle powder or some diced jalapeños gives things a little heat.

How to Make Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by cooking your chosen pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne are all great) in a big pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. After draining, rinse the pasta under cool water to stop the cooking process—you want those spirals bouncy, not mushy! Set aside to cool while you prep the other salad components.

Step 2: Blitz the Cilantro Lime Dressing

In your high-speed blender or food processor, combine the ingredients for the Greek Yogurt Avocado Salad Dressing—but remember, this time you’ll double the cilantro and skip the parsley for an extra-green, super-fresh kick! Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust for lime and salt, then set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Salad Base

Grab your big salad bowl and toss in the cooled pasta, drained chickpeas, sweet corn, chopped cucumber, and that punchy red onion. Give everything a gentle mix, making sure it’s nicely combined and colorful.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour that gorgeous green Cilantro Lime Dressing all over the salad. Toss and fold until every piece is glossy and coated, paying special attention to get dressing into all those pasta curves and chickpea crevices!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Crumble feta (or cotija) over the top and give one gentle final toss—just enough to distribute the cheese without breaking it up too much. Finish with a handful of fresh cilantro leaves and a big squeeze of lime juice over each serving if you love that citrusy pop. Dive in, or chill for a bit to let the flavors meld even more.

How to Serve Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a sprinkle of extra cilantro leaves, a handful of thin-sliced scallions, and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice over each serving to amplify the freshness! Even a little extra feta or a swirl of the leftover dressing drizzled on top makes it feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Serve your Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad alongside grilled chicken, juicy shrimp, or even hearty portobello mushrooms for a filling meal. It’s also a delight next to spiced black bean burgers, or as a stand-alone at a barbecue buffet with tortilla chips and homemade salsa.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your salad into mason jars for adorable picnic portions, pile it onto platters lined with fresh leafy greens for a pop of color, or pack it into meal prep containers for the week ahead. If you want to really wow a crowd, try filling halved bell peppers with the salad for a fun edible bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers of your Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. The flavors actually marry together and taste even more vibrant the next day—just give it a quick toss before serving!

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad, since the creamy yogurt avocado dressing and fresh veggies can become watery and lose their charm. It’s really best enjoyed fresh or within a couple days of making.

Reheating

No reheating needed—Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature! If you’d like to liven leftovers up a bit, just bring them out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving and stir in an extra squeeze of lime or tablespoon of dressing to refresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad—it’s a joyful, flavor-packed addition to any breeze-through-the-door weeknight or celebratory gathering with friends. If you make it, be sure to share—it’s guaranteed to win smiles and requests for seconds!

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