This bright and colorful Southwestern Pasta Salad is a fun mix of pasta, fresh veggies, and bold Southwest flavors. It’s perfect for potlucks or a tasty side dish at dinner!
I love how easy it is to make. Just cook the pasta, toss in some beans, corn, and a zesty dressing. Honestly, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time, and you might even get asked for the recipe! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini works great because its shape holds onto the dressing well. You can swap it for fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta if you like a healthier option.
Cooked Chicken: While optional, diced chicken adds protein. If you’re looking for a vegetarian dish, just leave it out or add some extra beans instead. Grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken is an easy choice.
Black Beans: Black beans bring a creamy texture and protein. If you’re not a fan, kidney beans or chickpeas can be good alternatives for a different flavor.
Corn: Fresh corn is the sweetest, but frozen or canned works just fine. Make sure to drain and rinse canned corn. You could replace it with diced bell peppers for extra crunch.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a unique flavor, but if you’re not a fan, parsley can be a good substitute. Just cut back on quantity as it has a more subtle taste.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess with added protein. If you prefer a lighter dressing, use plain yogurt or simply increase the amount of mayonnaise. Vegan mayonnaise is a great swap if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Can You Make Sure Your Pasta Salad Stays Fresh and Flavorful?
Chilling is key for this salad! Letting it rest in the fridge helps all the flavors blend together beautifully. Also, be sure to drain and rinse your pasta after cooking; this cools it down and prevents it from sticking together.
- Cook the pasta al dente, following package instructions, to keep it from becoming mushy when mixed.
- Rinsing under cold water helps stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta cool.
- Toss your ingredients gently; you want a mix, but you don’t want to break the tomatoes or squash the beans.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes for a deliciously refreshing salad!
How to Make Southwestern Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (optional)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southwestern Pasta Salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. Totaling around 45 minutes, you’ll have a refreshing dish ready for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, drain it well and rinse it under cold water. This will help cool the pasta down quickly. Set it aside for later.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta along with the diced chicken (if you’re using it), black beans, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced green bell pepper, chopped red onion, and cilantro. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the ingredients together.
3. Make the Dressing:
In another bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing. You want each bite to be delicious!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time will help the flavors blend beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, give it another light toss and enjoy your tasty Southwestern Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Just ensure that the pasta is cooked according to package instructions for the best texture.
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the cooked chicken and feel free to add more protein-rich ingredients like extra beans or tofu. This keeps your salad hearty and satisfying!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the pasta fresh, you might want to add some extra lime juice or a splash of yogurt before serving again.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can use regular yogurt, sour cream, or even a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Just remember that this may slightly change the flavor and texture, so choose according to your preference!
