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Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Summer Delight

This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing summer dish, perfect for potlucks and light dinners, featuring creamy yogurt dressing and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces bow tie pasta cooked and cooled, can substitute with rotini or any short pasta
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh preferred, canned or frozen works in a pinch
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, grape tomatoes are a good alternative
  • 1/2 cup red onion chopped or thinly sliced, green onions can be a milder option
  • 1/4 cup cilantro use both leaves and stems
  • 1 medium avocado diced, adjust based on preference
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 0% fat recommended
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice essential for tanginess
  • 2 cloves garlic provides aromatic flavor
  • to taste salt balances flavors
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adds heat, adjust to taste

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a food processor, combine plain Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds. Refrigerate while preparing the salad ingredients.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bow tie pasta according to package directions (about 10-12 minutes) until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
  3. While pasta cools, prepare vegetables: boil or steam corn for about 5 minutes. Chop cherry tomatoes, finely dice red onion, and roughly chop cilantro.
  4. In a mixing bowl, fold cooled pasta with corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over and stir until well-coated.
  5. Top servings with diced avocado and optionally sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best flavor, serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Add fresh avocado right before serving to prevent browning.

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