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Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Zesty Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad for Refreshing Summer Days

This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is vibrant and fresh, perfect for summer gatherings and meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt Consider using low-fat for a lighter version.
  • 1 medium Avocado Adds a rich, buttery texture.
  • 1 bunch Cilantro Feel free to double if you love cilantro!
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Freshly squeezed offers the best taste.
Salad
  • 375 grams Pasta Use short pasta like fusilli or penne.
  • 19 oz Chickpeas Drained and rinsed.
  • 12 oz Corn Canned, drained and rinsed, or use fresh.
  • 1 medium Cucumber Chopped.
  • 1 small Red Onion Diced.
  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese or Cotija Cheese Crumbled.
Optional Garnish
  • Cilantro For garnish.
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice For serving.

Equipment

  • blender
  • large pot
  • colander
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparing the Salad
  1. In a high-speed blender, combine Greek yogurt, the flesh of one ripe avocado, and a generous handful of cilantro. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained pasta, drained chickpeas, and corn. Toss in the chopped cucumber and diced red onion.
  4. Drizzle the creamy cilantro lime dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss gently until well-coated.
  5. Sprinkle crumbled feta or Cotija cheese on top and stir lightly to combine. Garnish with more cilantro if desired.
  6. Transfer to a serving bowl, and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top just before serving. Enjoy the salad fresh or as a light main dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 10gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For optimal freshness, store dressing separately until ready to serve. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

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