Southwest Pasta Salad
There's really nothing like a good cold salad in summer. This Southwest Pasta Salad recipe is perfect for adding a twist to your glorious spread for your next sunny soirée. Basic pasta salad ingredients with added black beans and corn paired with a zesty southwest sauce make this recipe perfect.
It's so easy to add a tasty twist to a classic pasta salad with a few simple ingredients.
If you are looking for the perfect side dish for your next cookout or grilled meal, this is it.
While I love my go-to traditional salads like potato salad and pea salad, having fun variations like this at my fingertips is a must.
PASTA SALAD WITH SOUTHWEST DRESSING
This creamy pasta salad is a unique twist to a traditional pasta salad. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients to amp up this classic salad.
Make a quick stop at your local grocery store and you'll be set for an amazing pasta salad that will have everyone asking where they can get some too! This southwest inspired dish features the addition of black beans, corn and a zesty southwest sauce.
It's perfect on its own or with grilled chicken added to it. It's the perfect cold summer side dish. Honestly, the options are limitless!!
SOUTHWEST PASTA SALAD INGREDIENTS
Here is a list of the simple ingredients needed to make this delicious creamy Southwest pasta salad with rotini. This will become one of your favorite summer salads.
Make sure to visit the recipe card below to get specific measurements and instructions.
Here is what you need:
- Rotini pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Green pepper
- White onion
- Black beans
- Kernel corn
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh jalapeños (optional)
SOUTHWEST DRESSING INGREDIENTS:
- Sour cream
- Fresh lime juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Ground chipotle chili pepper
- Garlic powder
- Ground cumin
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Ground Cayenne
SUPPLIES AND TOOLS TO MAKE THIS:
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowls of various sizes
- Large pot
- Large serving bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Strainer
- Two wooden spoons for tossing
HOW TO MAKE A SOUTHWEST PASTA SALAD
Ready to make easy summer salads? This will be a favorite go-to. Follow these simple steps to make your own,
Start by boiling water in a large pot and cook the rotini until it's al dente. Once it's done, strain the liquid.
Next up, combine all of the salad ingredients along with the pasta and toss until fully mixed.
In a medium bowl, combine the dressing ingredients until completely blended.
Then, pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until salad is coated. Voila!
Be sure to store any leftovers in a sealed food safe container. Best for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Does this Southwest Pasta Salad need to be refrigerated?
Yes, this salad should stay refrigerated until ready to eat. Sour cream shouldn’t be left out at room temperature for too long.
Southwest Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry rotini pasta
- 1 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups diced green pepper (about 1 large green pepper)
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1 can (540 ml, 19 fl ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (341 ml, 12 fl ounces) kernel corn, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- optional: ¼ cup chopped fresh jalapeños*
- Dressing:
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne
Instructions
In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta until it is al dente. Al dente pasta means it is softened but still firm.**
Strain liquid from pasta.
In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients (including strained pasta) then toss to combine.
In a medium bowl, stir together all dressing ingredients until well mixed.
Pour dressing over salad and toss to mix well until all of the salad is coated in dressing.
Store leftovers in a sealed food safe container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 200Total Fat 7gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 17mgSodium 255mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 4gSugar 8gProtein 6g
This nutritional information is for reference only. We are not responsible for these calculations.
The southwest pasta salad is a delicious summer side dish. The perfect way to beat summer's heat.
Let me know if you make it by sharing a pic and tagging @cutefetti.
