Cilantro-Lime Pasta Salad (With Or Without Chicken)

Name: Cilantro-Lime Pasta Salad (With Or Without Chicken)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 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

Servings: persons

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

1
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.

472

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 20 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 ounces dried whole wheat rotini pasta, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and more.

Yes, Cilantro-Lime Pasta Salad (With Or Without Chicken) falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!