Pasta Salad Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Dressing recipe

Pasta Salad Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

by Diana Opoti (@dianaopotieats)
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
10min
Total Time
25min

A vibrant and zesty pasta salad with a cilantro-lime dressing, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

For the Salad

  • 1cup
    cooked pasta
  • 200g
    chicken breast
  • 1/2tsp
    turmeric powder
  • 1tsp
    chili paste
  • 1/2piece
    cucumber, diced
  • 1/4piece
    red onion, diced
  • 1piece
    tomato, diced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cilantro-Lime Dressing

  • 1bundle
    cilantro
  • 2clove
    garlic
  • 1piece
    lime, juiced
  • 1piece
    fresh chili
  • 3tbsp
    extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste

How to make Pasta Salad Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

Marinate and Cook the Chicken

  1. In a small bowl, mix turmeric powder, chili paste, salt, and pepper. Rub this marinade onto the chicken breast.

  2. 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.

    Step 1.1: Heat a pan over medium heat with a small amount of oil

Prepare the Cilantro-Lime Dressing

  1. 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

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced cucumber, diced red onion, diced tomato, and sliced chicken (or beans, if vegan/vegetarian).

    Step 3.1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced cucumber, diced red onion, diced tomato, and sliced chicken (or beans, if vegan/vegetarian)
    Step 3.2: 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

  1. Pour the cilantro-lime dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Serve

  1. Serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for a refreshing pasta salad. Enjoy this vibrant, zesty dish!

Tips & Tricks

  1. For a vegan or vegetarian option, substitute chicken with cooked beans.