Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad with or Without Chicken

Bright, zesty, and bursting with flavor, this Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad with or without Chicken is the perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Tender pasta forms the base of this vibrant dish, complemented by creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lime-cilantro dressing that delivers bold, refreshing flavors in every bite. Customize the salad by adding seasoned, pan-seared chicken for a protein-packed option or keep it vegetarian for a lighter twist. A hint of honey adds subtle sweetness, while Greek yogurt or sour cream lends a luscious creaminess to the dressing. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile pasta salad is ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or casual weeknight dinners. Serve it chilled or at room temperature and enjoy a fresh, wholesome dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz Penne or rotini pasta
• 2 pieces Chicken breast (optional)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
• 1 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.25 cup Lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tsp Lime zest
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 0.25 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 cup Red onion, finely diced
• 1 large Avocado, diced (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water to cool, and set aside.

Step 2

If using chicken, season both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, honey, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and a pinch of salt to make the dressing.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and diced avocado (if using).

Step 6

Add the chopped cilantro and mix the dressing into the pasta salad until evenly distributed.

Step 7

If including chicken, fold it into the salad at this stage.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper to taste.

Step 9

Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Serve cold or at room temperature. Garnish with extra cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1447.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1628.4

Total Fat 64.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 172mg	0%
Sodium 2615.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 175.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.4g	0%
Total Sugars 36.8g
Protein 98.3g	0%

Vitamin D 26IU	0%
Calcium 304.7mg	0%
Iron 13.5mg	0%
Potassium 2781.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.8%

Protein: 23.4%

Carbs: 41.8%