Zesty Cucumber Cilantro Pasta Salad
Delight in this refreshing and zesty pasta salad that combines the crispness of fresh cucumbers and roma tomatoes with a tangy cilantro-lime dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, a picnic side dish, or an elegant party offering. This Cucumber Cilantro Pasta Salad is easy to prepare and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that will leave your taste buds singing.
4
Servings
105
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cucumber
1 (peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch squares)
roma tomato
1 cup (diced)
red onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
lime juice
3 tablespoons
cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped)
sugar
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
dry pasta shell macaroni
1 cup
Instructions
1
In a medium pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil.
2
Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3
Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
4
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, chopped cilantro, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta shells, chopped cucumber, diced roma tomatoes, and chopped red onion.
6
Pour the cilantro-lime dressing over the pasta and vegetables, and toss gently until evenly coated.
7
Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
8
Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
1.25g
Fat
20g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
1.75g
Sugar
62.5mg
Sodium
0mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cucumber Cilantro Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing and zesty pasta salad combining crisp cucumbers and roma tomatoes with a tangy cilantro-lime dressing.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include cucumber, roma tomato, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, sugar, salt, pepper, and dry pasta shell macaroni.
Is this pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat or animal by-products.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 105 calories.
How long should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta shells should be cooked for about 8 to 10 minutes until al dente.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
The recipe specifically calls for dry pasta shell macaroni.
How do I prepare the cilantro-lime dressing?
Whisk together lime juice, chopped cilantro, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
Should this salad be served warm or cold?
It is recommended to serve this salad cold or at room temperature.
How long does the salad need to chill?
The salad should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes peeled and chopped cucumber, diced roma tomatoes, and chopped red onion.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 1.25g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this pasta salad?
Each serving provides about 2.5g of protein.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of diced roma tomatoes.
How should I prepare the cucumber?
The cucumber should be peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch squares.
Does the dressing contain sugar?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the lime juice.
Can I garnish the salad with extra cilantro?
Yes, you can garnish with additional cilantro if desired before serving.
What is the sodium content?
There is 62.5mg of sodium per serving.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains 0mg of cholesterol.
What occasions is this dish suitable for?
It is perfect for a light lunch, a picnic side dish, or an elegant party offering.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 20g of carbohydrates.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What kind of onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped red onion.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and cools it down for the salad.
What is the fiber content of this dish?
Each serving contains 1.25g of fiber.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is quick to prepare.
How much lime juice is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of lime juice.
Can I use regular pasta instead of shells?
While shells are recommended, you could substitute other small pasta shapes if needed.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer recipe because of its fresh and refreshing flavors.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There is 1.75g of sugar per serving.