Recipe by
Better Homes & Gardens
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
timeMain 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.