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Fresh Taco Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

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A vibrant and creamy taco-flavored pasta salad featuring a zesty cilantro lime dressing, perfect for quick meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta (or penne/shells)
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • Juice of 2 medium limes
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (120 ml)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (60 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or thawed)
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: diced avocado, shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Dice red bell pepper, halve cherry tomatoes, slice green onions, rinse and drain black beans, and prepare corn kernels. Add all to the bowl with pasta.
  4. Pour the creamy cilantro lime dressing over the pasta and veggies. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Fold in optional diced avocado or shredded cheese if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after cooking to stop cooking and help dressing cling better. Whisk dressing thoroughly to avoid clumps. Chill salad for at least 20 minutes before serving for best flavor. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and cashew-based dressing. Use gluten-free pasta if needed. Avoid overmixing to keep veggies fresh and salad from becoming watery.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta salad, creamy cilantro lime dressing, easy pasta salad, summer salad, quick dinner, taco flavors, rotini pasta salad

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/fresh-taco-pasta-salad-recipe-with-creamy-cilantro-lime-dressing-easy-and-best/