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Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
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Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a bright and refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings, combining tangy lime juice, aromatic fresh cilantro, and tender al dente pasta with a smooth olive oil dressing. This simple, vibrant salad is quick to make, versatile for customization, and ideal served chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces rotini, penne, or farfalle pasta

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Fresh Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or thawed from frozen)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for salad use.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified.
  3. Chop the fresh ingredients: Finely chop a generous handful of cilantro and slice the green onions thinly. Prepare your veggies such as corn or any other additions at this stage.
  4. Toss everything together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped cilantro, green onions, and corn. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly without smashing the pasta.
  5. Chill and serve: Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh lime juice: Bottled juice won’t deliver the same vibrant, fresh flavor that makes this salad pop.
  • Don’t overcook pasta: Keep it firm so it absorbs the dressing without turning mushy.
  • Prep cilantro carefully: Rinse the leaves thoroughly and dry them well to avoid watery salad.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning: Lime juice and salt levels may need tweaking to balance acidity and saltiness perfectly.
  • Chill for best flavor: Allowing the salad to rest improves the mingling of the ingredients and intensifies the zesty taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro lime pasta salad, summer pasta salad, cilantro pasta salad, lime pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad, easy pasta salad, picnic pasta salad, refreshing side dish

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/cilantro-lime-pasta-salad/