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Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad with Chickpeas and Avocado Dressing Recipe

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  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Vegetarian
  • Diet: Diabetic

Description

This Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a vibrant, creamy dish packed with fresh ingredients like chickpeas, cucumber, corn, and a zesty cilantro lime avocado dressing enhanced with Greek yogurt for extra protein. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or as a refreshing side dish during warmer weather, this salad combines wholesome flavors and colorful textures with a creamy, tangy finish.

Ingredients

For the Cilantro Lime Dressing

  • 1 batch Greek Yogurt Avocado Salad Dressing (double the cilantro and omit parsley)

For the Pasta Salad

  • 1 box (375g) short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne), cooked according to package directions
  • 1 can (19 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (12 oz) corn kernels, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium cucumber, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup feta or cotija cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • Lime juice (optional, to squeeze on top)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: Combine all ingredients for the cilantro lime avocado dressing in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  2. Mix salad base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained chickpeas, corn kernels, chopped cucumber, and diced red onion, stirring to blend the ingredients.
  3. Toss with dressing: Drizzle the prepared cilantro lime dressing over the salad mixture, tossing thoroughly to evenly coat all components with the creamy dressing.
  4. Add cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta or cotija cheese over the salad and gently toss again to incorporate the cheese without breaking it up too much.
  5. Garnish and serve: Garnish the salad with fresh cilantro leaves and add a squeeze of lime juice if desired before serving. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later.

Notes

  • Meal Prep: This salad is ideal for meal prepping. Store it in a large airtight container in the refrigerator and portion out as needed throughout the week.
  • For best texture, save some dressing separately to drizzle on individual servings to maintain creaminess.
  • Storage: Keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container, making it a great make-ahead dish.

Find it online: https://evelynscooking.com/fresh-and-healthy-cilantro-lime-pasta-salad-with-chickpeas-and-avocado-dressing-recipe/