Description
A fresh and creamy pasta salad made with tender short pasta, bright lime juice, fragrant cilantro, and crisp vegetables, perfect as a light meal or refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 340 g short pasta (cooked al dente)
- 30 g fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 60 ml fresh lime juice
- Zest of 1 medium lime
- 120 g plain yogurt
- 45 ml olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 150 g red bell pepper, finely diced
- 60 g red onion, finely chopped
- 5 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- Cook the short pasta in generously salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and allow it to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Finely chop the red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh cilantro.
- Add the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and cilantro to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated and all ingredients are well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if needed.
- Chill the pasta salad for about 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Salt the pasta water well to season the pasta from the inside.
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest and most balanced flavor.
- Chop the cilantro just before mixing to keep it aromatic and green.
- If the salad thickens after chilling, stir in a small spoonful of yogurt or a splash of lime juice before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: cilantro lime pasta salad, pasta salad recipe, creamy pasta salad, lime cilantro salad, vegetarian pasta salad