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Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad


  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Description

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that combines the zest of lime with the freshness of cilantro for a delightful explosion of flavors. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a light dinner, this easy-to-make salad is sure to impress your friends and family. With its colorful ingredients and tantalizing taste, it’s not just a salad; it’s an experience that will elevate any meal!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 avocado, diced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with cilantro, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until well combined.
  5. If using avocado, fold in just before serving to prevent browning.
  6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavors.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No cooking needed after boiling pasta
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp. Customize by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or corn. For best results, use fresh lime juice instead of bottled.