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–+ servings
Cilantro lime pasta salad in a serving bowl with side of dressing in a small glass pitcher.

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serving Size: 4
Author Puja Verma
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DESCRIPTION

This refreshing cilantro lime pasta salad is a quick and easy summer recipe made with all healthy ingredients. Packed with fresh vegetables and dressed in a light, dairy-free cilantro lime dressing. The dressing has an irresistible fresh, zesty, and creamy flavor combined with bow-tie pasta, vibrant vegetables, and fresh herbs. Serve it as a side, a main, or a potluck dish!

INGREDIENTS
  

To assemble the pasta salad

  • 1 cup bow tie pasta (uncooked) or pasta of your choice
  • 1 cup sweet corn I used canned
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced in halves
  • 1 whole avocado sliced
  • 1 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1 cup cilantro finely chopped

To make the dressing

  • ½ cup cilantro fresh
  • ½ cup raw cashews soaked
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon salt

METHOD
 

To make the dressing

  • Submerge cashews in a bowl with boiling water and soak them for 25 minutes. Drain before blending.
  • Grate the zest from the lime using a zester or a box grater, and then squeeze out the fresh juice using a citrus squeezer.
    Note: Only remove the colored part of the lime (not the pith). The pith will have a bitter taste.
  • Blend all ingredients for the dressing together until combined. Set aside.

To assemble the pasta

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally while cooking. Remove from heat, and drain in cold water.
  • Transfer the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl and add the remaining ingredients.
  • Drizzle the dressing on top and toss until it is all combined.
  • Serve right away, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

NOTES

  • Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente pasta. It shouldn't be too soft or mushy since it will continue to absorb the dressing.
  • Chill the pasta: Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This step will keep your salad light and refreshing.
  • Let it marinate: Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving so the flavors have a chance to meld together.
  • Add avocado last: Mix in the avocado right before serving to prevent it from browning.

NUTRITION

Calories: 247kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 310mg | Potassium: 453mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 661IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg
Course: Main Course, Sal, Side Dish
Cuisine: All, American, Italian
Keyword: cilantro lime pasta salad
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