Southwestern Pasta Salad

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Southwestern Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

It’s quick, easy, and packed with fresh ingredients.

• Bold Flavors: Combines zesty lime, smoky spices, and creamy avocado for a taste explosion.
• Versatile Meal: Serve as a main dish, side, or party favorite—it’s always a hit.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance, and the flavors meld beautifully over time.

Recipe

This Southwestern Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish, perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner. Combining bold Southwestern flavors with fresh ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and customize.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or roasted)
• 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 avocado (diced)
• 1/2 red onion (finely chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup salsa (mild or hot)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 lime (juiced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, and cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, salsa, chili powder, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well combined.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes:

This salad can be made ahead of time, but add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Adjust the spiciness by using mild or hot salsa and adding jalapeños if desired.

Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Cuisine: Southwestern/Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

This Southwestern Pasta Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my Southwestern pasta salad with grilled chicken—it adds a smoky flavor that complements the zesty dressing perfectly.

Fresh vegetable sides, like a crisp cucumber and tomato salad or roasted corn on the cob, bring a nice crunch and balance to the meal.

These combos make the dish feel complete without overpowering its bold, vibrant taste.

Grilled Chicken Pairing

When I’m serving up a vibrant Southwestern pasta salad, I love pairing it with grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.

The smoky, savory grilled chicken flavors complement the bold, zesty pasta salad combinations perfectly. I usually marinate the chicken with lime juice, chili powder, and cumin, giving it a tangy kick that ties everything together.

Grilling the chicken adds a nice char and keeps it juicy, which balances the crunch and creaminess of the salad. It’s a simple addition, but it transforms the dish into something hearty and satisfying, making it a hit at any gathering.

Fresh Vegetable Sides

Alongside the smoky grilled chicken and zesty Southwestern pasta salad, adding fresh vegetable sides brightens up the whole meal.

I love tossing together grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn—they add a charred sweetness that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors.

Using seasonal ingredients, like crisp cucumbers or juicy cherry tomatoes, keeps things fresh and vibrant.

Sometimes, I’ll whip up a quick avocado salad or a tangy slaw for extra crunch.

These sides not only balance the meal but also make it feel more complete. Trust me, they’re so good, you’ll want seconds!