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Creamy cilantro lime pasta salad with fresh ingredients and vibrant colors

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

A vibrant and creamy pasta salad featuring a tangy cilantro lime dressing, packed with chickpeas and corn for a nutritious and filling meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 1 batch Greek Yogurt Avocado Salad Dressing Double the cilantro and omit the parsley.
  • 375 g short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne) Cooked according to package directions and cooled slightly.
  • 19 oz. canned chickpeas Drained and rinsed.
  • 12 oz. canned corn Drained and rinsed (or use frozen thawed corn).
  • 1 medium cucumber Chopped into bite-sized pieces.
  • 1 small red onion Diced finely.
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese Crumbled (or cotija cheese).
  • to taste fresh cilantro Optional, for garnish.
  • to taste lime juice Optional, to squeeze on top.
Optional Add-ons
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved.
  • 1 medium sliced avocado For extra creaminess.
  • 1 medium bell pepper Diced.
  • 1 medium jalapeƱo Minced.
  • 1/4 cup toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds For crunch.
  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or canned tuna Optional protein additions.

Method
 

Prepare the Dressing
  1. Gather your dressing ingredients: ripe avocado, plain Greek yogurt, double the cilantro, lime juice, olive oil or water, a pinch of salt, and optional garlic.
  2. Add everything to a blender and blitz until smooth and creamy; adjust thickness with water or olive oil as needed.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning with lime, salt, or extra cilantro.
  4. Transfer the dressing to a bowl or jar and set it aside.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop cooking, then let it cool to room temperature.
Prep Salad Components
  1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and corn, then pat dry.
  2. Chop the cucumber and dice the red onion finely.
  3. Crumble the feta cheese and set aside small cilantro sprigs for garnish.
Combine the Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chickpeas, corn, cucumber, and red onion.
  2. Drizzle in the dressing and toss until everything is well coated.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Finish and Serve
  1. Sprinkle crumbled feta on top and gently fold it in.
  2. Garnish with cilantro and a final squeeze of lime juice.
  3. Chill for at least 15-20 minutes or serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Stir in yogurt or water to refresh if it thickens.