Cilantro-Lime Pasta Salad

Impress at your next picnic or potluck party with this healthy pasta salad recipe. Fresh cilantro leaves and lime juice perk up this Southwest pasta salad that includes an expected combination of mangoes and avocados.

INGREDIENTS:

4 ounce dried whole wheat rotini pasta

¼ cup lime juice

¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves

2 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon sugar

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Nonstick cooking spray

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 ½ cup 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

¾ cup chopped yellow sweet pepper (1 medium)

¾ cup chopped red sweet pepper (1 medium)

1 fresh jalapeño chile pepper, seeded and finely chopped*

Lime wedges (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

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. 

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°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 jalapeño pepper. Pour dressing over pasta mixture; toss gently to coat. If desired, serve with lime wedges.

TIP:

Because chile peppers contain volatile oils that can burn your skin and eyes, avoid direct contact with them as much as possible. When working with chile peppers, wear plastic or rubber gloves. If your bare hands do touch the peppers, wash your hands and nails well with soap and warm water.