Zesty Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad: Your New Favorite Quick Side!

Bright, Fresh, and Totally Easy—Let’s Make Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad!

Hey there, kitchen buddy! If you’re craving something vibrant, tangy, and downright delicious without spending hours in the kitchen, this Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is your new best friend. It’s a quick throw-together that beats any store-bought version—because nothing beats homemade freshness, right?

The aroma alone will have your senses dancing—think punchy lime, fragrant cilantro, and that irresistible hint of garlic. And the best part? It’s super simple, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients you probably already have in your fridge. Trust me, this salad is a flavor punch that’s both crisp and creamy—perfect for any picnic, potluck, or simple dinner.

Ready to get those pasta pots boiling? Or maybe you’re in the mood to try another zesty dip or salsa? Whatever’s next, let’s make this salad happen—because cooking should be fun, fast, and fabulous! Go ahead, start chopping and zesting—your taste buds will thank you.

Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad

This pasta salad combines cooked pasta with a fresh cilantro lime dressing, resulting in a vibrant and tangy dish with a crisp and creamy texture. It features chopped herbs, zesty lime, and other pantry staples, served chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing, colorful presentation.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini) uncooked
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro roughly chopped
• 2 limes lime juice freshly squeezed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/2 cup cubed feta cheese

Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Grater or zester

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
   
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Finely chop the cilantro and stir it into the dressing.
   8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
   
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked, cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, cubed feta cheese, and the cilantro lime dressing. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and integrated.
   8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
   
4. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
   
5. Serve the Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
   8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
   

This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a total game changer—bright, flavorful, and so easy to whip up. Serve it chilled for max refreshment and maybe sprinkle extra cilantro on top for that Instagram-worthy finish. I’d love to hear how yours turns out—tag me or drop a comment! Now, go enjoy those vibrant flavors and keep the kitchen fun alive!

Jonny

I’m Jonny, the cook, writer, and food lover behind this flavorful corner of the internet. Whether it’s a sizzling weeknight stir-fry, a no-bake dessert that saves the day, or a comforting Sunday classic — this blog is where I share recipes that are bold, doable, and made to impress without the stress.