Cilantro-Lime Pasta Salad

Cilantro-Lime Pasta Salad

This bright salad gets its kick from cayenne pepper and a spicy jalapeño. Remember to wear rubber or plastic gloves when working with chile peppers, to avoid contact with the volatile oils that can burn your skin and eyes.

5

Servings

35 mins

Total time

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Main Ingredients

  • 4 ounces whole-wheat rotini,
  • ¼ cup lime juice,
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves,
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil,
  • 1 tablespoon sugar,
  • 1 teaspoon salt, , divided
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder,
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin,
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper,
  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves,
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper,
  • 1½ cups grape tomatoes, halved,
  • 1 cup finely chopped red onion (1 large),
  • 1 mango, , cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 medium avocado, , cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • ¾ cup chopped yellow bell pepper (1 medium),
  • ¾ cup chopped red bell pepper (1 medium),
  • 1 fresh jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped,
  • Lime wedges (optional),

Cooking Instructions

Step 1

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.

Step 2

Meanwhile, combine lime juice, cilantro, oil, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, cumin and cayenne in a blender. Cover and blend about 30 seconds or until well mixed. Set aside.

Step 3

Lightly coat the rack of an indoor electric grill with cooking spray. Preheat grill. Sprinkle chicken with the remaining 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°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.

Step 4

In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, red onion, mango, avocado, bell peppers and jalapeño. Pour dressing over pasta mixture; toss gently to coat. If desired, serve with lime wedges.

All recipe ingredients should be cooked to a safe internal temperature according to USDA guidelines. After preparing a recipe, please store any leftovers in the refrigerator.