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Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Refreshing Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad: Creamy and Protein-Packed

This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish perfect for summer with chickpeas and a creamy dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt substitute with regular Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice fresh lime juice is best for flavor
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro adjust according to your taste
Salad
  • 375 g Short Pasta (like rotini, fusilli, or penne) cook according to package directions
  • 1 can (19 oz) Chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (12 oz) Corn drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium Cucumber chopped
  • 1 small Red Onion diced
  • 1/2 cup Feta or Cotija Cheese crumbled
Optional Garnishes
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Leaves adds aroma and enhances flavor
  • 2 pieces Extra Lime Wedges for additional zest

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • colander
  • spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, and fresh cilantro. Blend until smooth for about 30 seconds to a minute. Set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (8 to 10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chickpeas, corn, cucumber, and red onion. Gently toss to combine.
  4. Drizzle the cilantro lime dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well-coated.
  5. Sprinkle the crumbled feta or cotija cheese on top and gently fold it into the salad.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with cilantro leaves and lime juice if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad is perfect for meal prep and can last in the fridge for up to 5 days. Toss with dressing just before serving for best texture.

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