If you’re searching for a dish that’s vibrant, zesty, and crowd-pleasing, this Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe is a game changer. Think tender pasta tossed with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy bell peppers, all coated in a tangy lime-cilantro dressing that truly wakes up the taste buds. Whether you’re craving something fresh for a summer picnic, prepping for a potluck, or just want an easy weeknight dinner, this salad effortlessly balances creaminess, brightness, and a little kick of spice. You won’t believe how quickly it comes together—and trust me, everyone goes back for seconds.

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of bold and colorful ingredients, every bite of this Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe shines. Each element is chosen for maximum flavor and texture, with no filler—think crisp vegetables, hearty pasta, and a knockout citrus dressing to tie it all together.

Pasta (12 oz rotini or bowtie): The perfect shapes to soak up all the zesty dressing in every twist and turn.
Cherry tomatoes (1 ½ cups, halved): Give bursts of juicy sweetness and lovely color.
Corn (1 cup, fresh, canned, or thawed frozen): Adds a touch of crunch and sweetness—grilled corn makes it extra special!
Black beans (1 cup, rinsed and drained): Bring extra heartiness and a creamy texture that complements the veggies.
Red bell pepper (1, diced): For more crunch, sweetness, and vivid color.
Red onion (½, finely diced): Adds a subtle bite and beautiful pop of purple.
Fresh cilantro (½ cup, chopped): The hero herb, infusing every bite with bright, citrusy flavor.
Lime zest and juice (from 2 limes): Essential for tang and depth—the zest delivers extra fragrance.
Olive oil (⅓ cup): Provides richness and brings the dressing together.
Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): A bit of natural sweetness balances the lime’s tang.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Just enough to add punch without overpowering.
Ground cumin (½ teaspoon): Lends subtle warm spice, underscoring the Mexican-inspired flavors.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out and elevating the entire salad.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your rotini or bowtie pasta until just al dente—this keeps it perfectly chewy once dressed. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This halts the cooking process, prevents any stickiness, and keeps the salad refreshingly cool. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Vibrant Dressing

In a small bowl or a mason jar, combine the zest and juice of two limes, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake the mixture vigorously until it’s completely blended. This dressing is the flavorful backbone of your Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe—bright, tangy, a little sweet, and just the right amount of savory.

Step 3: Toss the Veggies and Beans

Add your halved cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, diced red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro to the cooled pasta. The gorgeous mix of colors and textures is already appealing, but just wait until you add the dressing!

Step 4: Dress and Combine Everything

Pour the zesty lime-cilantro dressing over the pasta and veggies. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every bite is coated with flavor. The pasta soaks up the citrusy goodness and all those fresh veggies start melding together—this is when the salad truly comes alive.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to mingle and develop, plus the salad tastes wonderfully cool and refreshing. When you’re ready to serve, give it one more gentle toss and, if desired, adjust the seasoning with a little extra lime juice or olive oil.

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe with some finishing touches: a scattering of extra chopped cilantro for even more freshness, thinly sliced avocado for creaminess, a sprinkle of crumbly cotija or feta, or just a wedge of lime on the side. Each garnish brings something wonderful to the party!

Side Dishes

This salad is seriously versatile. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty main, or serve alongside tacos, quesadillas, or a simple soup for an easy lunch spread. It shines at barbecues, potlucks, and even as a colorful picnic centerpiece.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fresh spin, try spooning the salad into individual cups for grab-and-go appetizers, or serve atop crisp romaine leaves for a fun lettuce cup twist. It’s also a fantastic filling for burritos or wraps—a total lunch upgrade!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors continue to develop over time. If the salad seems a little dry after storing, just toss with a splash of lime juice and olive oil to freshen it up.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze pasta salad, this one is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days. Freezing may cause the vegetables to lose their crispness and the dressing to separate slightly, so for best results, prep it ahead and enjoy it throughout the week.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, which makes it extra convenient for busy days. If you prefer it less chilled, simply let it sit out for a few minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as the veggies and dressing are best kept cold and crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad

Absolutely! Rotini and bowtie pasta are great at holding onto the delicious dressing, but any short-shaped pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells will work beautifully in the Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe.

What’s the best way to make this salad vegan?

Just swap the honey in the dressing for maple syrup, and skip any cheese toppings. All the bold, fresh flavors remain—no compromise needed!

Can I add protein to make it a meal?

Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed tofu make amazing additions. Stir them in right before serving for a more substantial, satisfying salad.

How far in advance can I make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe?

You can make it up to a day in advance! If making ahead, simply give the salad a quick toss with a splash of lime juice and olive oil to revive the flavors just before serving.

What should I do if I don’t love cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your thing, try substituting with fresh parsley or a combination of parsley and a hint of mint. The result is still fresh and herby, with a slightly different twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something uniquely joyful about sharing a bowl of this Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe—it’s bright, tangy, and bursting with freshness in every bite. I hope you’re inspired to whip it up for your next gathering (or just as a treat for yourself). If you give it a try, don’t be surprised if it becomes an instant favorite. Enjoy every zesty, herby forkful!

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings. With a zesty lime dressing and a mix of colorful veggies, it’s a delightful twist on traditional pasta salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta

Salad Ingredients:

1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
½ red onion (finely diced)
½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

Lime Dressing:

zest and juice of 2 limes
⅓ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 clove garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon ground cumin
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta as per package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water and transfer to a large bowl.
Prepare Dressing: Whisk together lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, honey/maple syrup, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients: Add tomatoes, corn, black beans, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro to the pasta.
Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving cold or at room temperature.

Notes

For added creaminess, mix in diced avocado just before serving.
This salad can be made a day ahead; just refresh with lime juice and olive oil if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiled
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired