Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad featuring tender farfalle pasta tossed with sweet corn, crisp red peppers, red onion, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese, all coated in a zesty cilantro lime dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish, with the option to add creamy avocado for extra richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 pound farfalle pasta
- 1 can (15.25 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 red peppers, diced
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, cut into ½ inch cubes
- 2 avocados, diced (optional – see note)
Dressing
- 2 cups cilantro
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the farfalle pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Drain again thoroughly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a blender, combine 2 cups of cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, garlic clove, honey, and salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Alternatively, use a hand blender or food processor. Set the dressing aside.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained sweet corn, ½ cup chopped cilantro, diced red peppers, finely diced red onion, and cubed Monterey Jack cheese.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared cilantro lime dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss everything together gently to coat all components evenly with the dressing.
- Add Avocado (Optional): If serving the pasta salad immediately, gently fold in the diced avocados to add creaminess and richness. If not serving right away, omit the avocado to prevent browning.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 hours. If chilled, add the avocado just before serving to maintain its texture and color.
Notes
- Adding avocado is optional and recommended only if serving immediately to avoid browning and mushy texture.
- This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and chilled; just add avocado right before eating.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in the dressing.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the Monterey Jack cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cilantro lime pasta salad, pasta salad, farfalle salad, summer salad, vegetarian pasta salad, cilantro dressing, lime dressing
