- Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

$- 8 oz fusilli or rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice - 1 teaspoon lime zest - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional for a flavor boost) - Pot for boiling pasta - Colander for draining pasta - Mixing bowl for combining ingredients - Whisk for dressing preparation To make a great cilantro lime pasta salad, you need a few key ingredients and tools. Use fusilli or rotini pasta as they hold the dressing well. Fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and avocado add color and crunch. Cilantro brings a fresh taste that shines in this salad. For the dressing, you’ll need extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, and lime zest for zing. Don’t forget salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin for added flavor. Make sure you have a pot for boiling the pasta and a colander for draining it. A mixing bowl helps you combine all the ingredients. Finally, a whisk is essential for blending your dressing smoothly. This simple list is all you need to create a fresh and flavorful dish. Check out the Full Recipe for complete details! To boil pasta perfectly for salads, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli or rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Once the pasta is done, drain it in a colander. Rinsing pasta after cooking is key. It stops the cooking process and cools the pasta quickly. This helps your salad stay fresh and tasty. While the pasta cooks, prepare your vegetables. To cut vegetables uniformly, use a sharp knife. For even bites, make sure all pieces are about the same size. This gives your salad a nice look and balanced flavor. When choosing produce for salads, pick fresh and crisp items. Look for bright colors and firm textures. For this salad, use ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and sweet bell peppers. To make the dressing, start with a small bowl. Add extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, and lime zest. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin if you like. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This process combines the oil and juice, which is called emulsifying. A balanced dressing is key to a great salad. Taste it and adjust the flavors as needed. Follow these steps for a delicious Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad. You can find the full recipe for more details. To make your cilantro lime pasta salad sing, add fresh herbs. Consider using basil or mint for a new twist. You can also mix in spices like chili powder for heat or smoked paprika for depth. Always taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure the flavors pop. Presentation matters! Serve the salad in a big, colorful bowl. Top it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges for a bright look. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, adding protein and making it a complete meal. {{image_4}} If you want a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices. Look for pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. These options work well in this salad, keeping it tasty and light. For a vegan twist, replace the avocado with a different creamy element. You could use tahini or a dollop of vegan mayo. Both will add richness and keep the salad fresh. You can switch up the citrus in your dressing. Instead of lime, use lemon for a bright taste. Or try orange for a sweet, tangy kick. Both options work wonderfully with the other flavors. Want to add protein? Try grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier dish. Beans are also a great choice. Black beans or chickpeas add protein and texture. They make this pasta salad more filling and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the details to make your own delicious cilantro lime pasta salad. To keep your cilantro lime pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in the flavors and keep the salad crisp. It’s best to chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This time allows the flavors to blend beautifully. In the fridge, this pasta salad lasts about 3 to 5 days. If you notice any signs of spoilage, like odd smells or colors, it’s best to toss it. Always check before you dig in! Freezing pasta salad is not ideal. The texture of the pasta and fresh veggies changes when frozen. If you still want to freeze it, do so without the avocado. Add fresh avocado after you thaw and serve. This keeps the salad tasting fresh and vibrant. If you decide to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy your cilantro lime pasta salad later, but remember, it’s best fresh! I recommend chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes. This time lets the flavors blend well. The cold salad is refreshing and vibrant. If you have more time, chilling it for an hour or more enhances the taste even further. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare it up to a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge, covered tightly. This allows the flavors to develop. If you add avocado, do so just before serving to keep it fresh. If your salad seems dry, you can fix it easily. Add a splash of olive oil or lime juice. You can also mix in a bit of yogurt for creaminess. Stir gently to combine. Taste it to check if you need more seasoning. In this post, I detailed the steps to create a delicious pasta salad. We covered required ingredients, kitchen tools, and easy cooking methods. You learned how to prepare fresh vegetables and make a tasty dressing. I also shared tips for serving and storage, along with variations to suit your diet. Pasta salad is versatile, quick, and perfect for any meal. Enjoy experimenting with ingredients and flavors. You’ll not only impress yourself but also those who share the meal with you. Happy cooking!$

Delight in the refreshing flavors of Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad! This simple recipe combines al dente fusilli, vibrant veggies, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime dressing that's perfect for summer gatherings or a healthy lunch. With easy steps and fresh ingredients, you'll have a delicious dish ready in no time. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and elevate your salad game today!

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Ingredients

8 oz (225 g) fusilli or rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 ripe avocado, diced

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1 teaspoon lime zest

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional for a flavor boost)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the fusilli or rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking and cooling, take the time to prepare your vegetables. Dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into small pieces, ensuring uniformity for even flavor distribution. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely chop the red onion to enhance the salad's texture.

Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, add the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, lime zest, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ground cumin (if using). Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until thoroughly combined and emulsified.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Stir carefully to avoid breaking up the pasta.

Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. With a gentle touch, toss everything together until all the ingredients are beautifully coated in the zesty dressing.

Add Avocado: Last but not least, fold in the diced avocado. Be gentle during this step to keep the avocado pieces intact and creamy within the salad.

Chill: For the best flavor, cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes; this allows the flavors to merge wonderfully.

Serve: When ready to serve, give the salad a light toss to redistribute the ingredients. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, attractive bowl. Garnish the top with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges for a vibrant touch.