Cucumber Cilantro Pasta Salad
Bright, zesty, and refreshingly light, this Cucumber Cilantro Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for warm-weather gatherings or a quick, wholesome lunch. Featuring tender pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a vibrant cilantro-lime dressing, this recipe is bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant textures. A hint of cumin adds an unexpected depth, while the optional crumble of feta cheese provides a creamy, tangy finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy pasta salad is served chilled and makes a great make-ahead dish for potlucks or picnics. With its blend of bold cilantro, tart lime, and crunchy veggies, this salad is both satisfying and irresistibly refreshing. Perfect for vegetarians (or easily made vegan), it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that will keep everyone coming back for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams Pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne)
- 2 medium Cucumber
- 1 cup Fresh cilantro
- 0.5 medium Red onion
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 0.5 cup Feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, peel the cucumbers if desired, then cut them into small bite-sized pieces or half-moons. Place in a large mixing bowl.
Finely chop the fresh cilantro and add it to the bowl with the cucumbers.
Thinly slice the red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Add both to the mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and ground cumin to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to combine.
Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl and toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
If using, crumble feta cheese over the top and gently fold it into the salad.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice.
Allow the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
291 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.9 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.1 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 27 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 832 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.9 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.4 g | ||
| Protein | 8.9 g | 18% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 199 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 352 mg | 7% | |
*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.
