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Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad: Creamy, Protein-Packed Refreshment

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a creamy, protein-packed dish featuring chickpeas and zesty lime for a refreshing meal option.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Healthy, Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt substitute with regular yogurt for different taste
  • 1 medium Avocado ensure it's ripe for optimal flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice adjust to your preference for tanginess
Salad
  • 8 ounces Short Pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne) cook al dente for the best bite
  • 1 can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 can Corn drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium Cucumber chopped, opt for English cucumbers for fewer seeds
  • 1 small Red Onion diced, substitute with sweet onions for milder flavor
  • ½ cup Feta Cheese or Cotija Cheese crumbled, omit for a dairy-free option
  • Fresh Cilantro optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • blender
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a blender, combine Greek yogurt, ripe avocado, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the chosen short pasta for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chickpeas, corn, cucumber, and red onion. Fold gently until evenly distributed.
  4. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
  5. Fold in crumbled feta or Cotija cheese and additional lime juice if desired.
  6. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh cilantro, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Dressing can be stored separately to maintain crunch.

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