Pasta Salad Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Dressing
by Diana Opoti (@dianaopotieats)A vibrant and zesty pasta salad with a cilantro-lime dressing, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1cupcooked pasta
- 200gchicken breast
- 1/2tspturmeric powder
- 1tspchili paste
- 1/2piececucumber, diced
- 1/4piecered onion, diced
- 1piecetomato, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cilantro-Lime Dressing
- 1bundlecilantro
- 2clovegarlic
- 1piecelime, juiced
- 1piecefresh chili
- 3tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
How to make Pasta Salad Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Dressing
Marinate and Cook the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix turmeric powder, chili paste, salt, and pepper. Rub this marinade onto the chicken breast.
Heat a pan over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Pan-fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden. Set aside to cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Cilantro-Lime Dressing
In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, garlic cloves, lime juice, chilies, and oil. Blend until smooth. Add salt to taste, adjusting lime juice or chilies as desired for flavor.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced cucumber, diced red onion, diced tomato, and sliced chicken (or beans, if vegan/vegetarian).
Add the Dressing
Pour the cilantro-lime dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Serve
Serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for a refreshing pasta salad. Enjoy this vibrant, zesty dish!
Tips & Tricks
For a vegan or vegetarian option, substitute chicken with cooked beans.