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Creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

This refreshing Creamy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad recipe combines tangy lime, fresh cilantro, and zesty flavors to create a delicious pasta salad that's quick, easy, and bursting with flavor and fresh veggies.

Keyword Pasta Salad
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients

For Dressing:

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup mayo
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ½-1 tsp chipotle chili pepper seasoning (**see note below)
  • juice and zest from one lime (don't forget the zest! It adds a lot of flavor)
  • 1 tsp salt

Remaining Ingredients:

  • 1 lb rotini pasta noodles any short noodle will do
  • 1 large cucumber peeled and finely chopped
  • ½ red onion finely diced
  • 1 cup corn fresh or canned
  • 1-2 avocados
  • 1 cup cheese queso fresco, Cotija or finely grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

  2. While waiting for the water to boil, mix all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Place the bowl in the fridge until you're ready for it.

  3. Prep the veggies for the pasta salad. Finely chop the cilantro and red onion. Peel the cucumber and cut it lengthwise. Easily remove the seeds by scooping them out with a spoon. Chop cucumber into small pieces.

  4. When water is boiling, cook pasta according to package. Once cooked, drain and run under cool water.

  5. In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, corn, cucumber, onion, cilantro and cheese. Pour dressing over the top and mix well. Place in the refrigerator and cool for about 3-4 hours, or prepare the day before serving.

  6. **If adding avocado, don't add it until right before serving to avoid them turning brown.

Recipe Notes

** If you're sensitive to spice and want to keep this mild, only use a 1/2 teaspoon of the chipotle chili powder. For a slightly more spicy pasta salad, add 1 full teaspoon. I like it a little spicy, so I add one whole teaspoon to my dressing.