This Southwest Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that blends bold, zesty flavors into a refreshing and hearty meal. Perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks, this easy pasta salad features tender rotini pasta tossed with black beans, sweet corn, red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and diced red onions.
A creamy cilantro-lime dressing made with Greek yogurt or dairy-free mayo ties everything together, giving the salad a tangy kick. As a vegetarian pasta salad, it’s protein-packed and satisfying, served cold for a refreshing bite on warm days.
Vibrant Ingredients for a Southwest Pasta Salad
The Southwest Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of colors and flavors that brings a refreshing twist to traditional pasta salad recipes.
Featuring rotini pasta, this dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrition.
Key ingredients such as black beans and sweet corn contribute to its hearty nature, making it a satisfying vegetarian option.
With diced red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, each bite bursts with freshness, perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks.
Preparing the Perfect Pasta Salad
Creating this easy pasta salad is a straightforward process that anyone can master.
Start by cooking the rotini pasta until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.
Once cooked, a quick rinse under cold water helps cool it down, making it ready for mixing with the other vibrant ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion for a colorful medley.
Crafting the Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing
The dressing is what truly elevates this pasta salad with corn and black beans.
Combining Greek yogurt or dairy-free mayo with lime juice and chili powder creates a creamy, tangy sauce that ties all the flavors together.
Whisking until smooth ensures that every bite is coated with that zesty goodness.
Chilling for Flavor Fusion
Once everything is mixed, it’s essential to let the salad chill in the refrigerator.
This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
When ready to serve, the cold pasta salad is perfect for warm days, offering a refreshing option among summer pasta salad recipes.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Southwest Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit various tastes.
Consider adding avocado for a creamy texture or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
It can be served as a side dish at barbecues or as a light lunch on its own.
With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Nutritional Benefits of the Salad
This dish not only pleases the palate but also provides a nutritious option for those seeking vegetarian meals.
With ingredients like black beans and corn, it offers a good source of protein and fiber.
Each serving is around 250 calories, making it a guilt-free choice for those mindful of their diet.
Enjoy this Southwest Pasta Salad as part of a balanced meal, and relish the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Easy Southwest Pasta Salad Recipe
This Southwest Pasta Salad is a versatile, make-ahead dish ideal for picnics, BBQs, or light lunches. It combines ingredients like corn and black beans for a nutritious and delicious option among pasta salad recipes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free mayo
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt or mayo, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve cold.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g