Description
A fresh, creamy, and zesty cilantro lime pasta salad made with rotini, crunchy vegetables, avocado, and a tangy Greek yogurt mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for summer lunches, potlucks, meal prep, or a chilled side dish.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, corn, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and chopped cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and chili powder until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the creamy cilantro lime dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Stir gently before serving and add a splash of lime juice or a spoonful of yogurt if needed to refresh the dressing.
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans.
- For more spice, add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Feta cheese or cotija cheese can be added for a salty finish.
- For a lighter version, replace the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This pasta salad is best served chilled and should not be reheated.
- Toss avocado with extra lime juice before adding to help reduce browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 285mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
