CILANTRO-LIME PASTA SALAD (WITH OR WITHOUT CHICKEN)

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Cilantro-Lime Pasta Salad (With or Without Chicken) image

Loaded with chunks of avocado and mango, this beautiful dish makes an excellent summer meal. But there's no need to limit it to one season because it's delicious year-round! The bright, refreshing flavors taste great hot or cold too, making this an excellent brown-bag lunch recipe. If going veggie simply omit the chicken, you'll get fewer servings without it (just so you know).

Provided by Annacia

Categories     Chicken

Time 31m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

4 ounces dried whole wheat rotini pasta
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 lb skinless chicken breast half
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup finely chopped red onion (1 large)
1 medium mango, seeded, peeled, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium avocado, seeded, peeled, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3/4 cup chopped yellow sweet pepper (1 medium)
3/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper (1 medium)
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
lime wedge

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
  • Meanwhile, for dressing, in a blender combine lime juice, cilantro, oil, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cover and blend about 30 seconds or until well mixed. Set aside.
  • Lightly coat the rack of an indoor electric grill with cooking spray. Preheat grill. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper. Place chicken on grill rack. If using a grill with a cover, close lid. Grill until chicken is no longer pink (170 degrees F). (For a covered grill, allow about 6 minutes. For an uncovered grill, allow 12 to 15 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling.) Cut chicken into bite-size pieces.
  • In a large bowl combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, red onion, mango, avocado, sweet peppers, and jalapeno pepper. Pour dressing over pasta mixture; toss gently to coat. If desired, serve with lime wedges.

Raulien Ferreira
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I'm always looking for new pasta salad recipes, and this one definitely caught my eye. The combination of cilantro and lime is so refreshing and flavorful. I can't wait to try it!


Yu Yu
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This pasta salad is a great way to use up leftover chicken. I also like to add some chopped bell pepper and avocado for extra color and flavor.


Bishal Shrestha
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I'm not a huge fan of cilantro, but I still really enjoyed this salad. The lime and dressing really balanced out the flavor of the cilantro. I'll definitely be making this again.


Hendrina Martin
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Cilantro-lime pasta salad is one of my favorite summer dishes. It's so light and refreshing, and the flavors are always on point. I highly recommend this recipe!


Ibtisam Arbin
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This recipe looks delicious! I love the combination of cilantro and lime. I'll definitely be trying this one out soon.


Vishaka Lakmini
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I'm always looking for new pasta salad recipes, and this one definitely caught my eye. The combination of cilantro and lime is so refreshing and flavorful. I can't wait to try it!


Ifraheem Jan
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This pasta salad is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken. I highly recommend it!


Rightful Recordings
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I love this recipe! It's so easy to make and always turns out delicious. I usually add a little extra lime juice and cilantro, just to taste.


Fani Rana
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This is the perfect pasta salad for a hot summer day. It's light and refreshing, and the cilantro-lime dressing is so flavorful. I highly recommend it!


Md.Yousof Ali
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I'm not a huge fan of cilantro, but I still really enjoyed this salad. The lime and dressing really balanced out the flavor of the cilantro. I'll definitely be making this again.


Georgie may
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken. I also like to add some chopped bell pepper and avocado for extra color and flavor.


Godwin “Gboythe4th” Ikeh
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I've made this pasta salad several times now and it's always a hit at potlucks and barbecues. It's so easy to make and the flavors are always on point. I highly recommend it!


Bornalyakther Bonolota
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This cilantro-lime pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful summer dish. The combination of fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and tangy dressing is perfect for a light and healthy meal. I especially love adding grilled chicken for a protein boost.