Go Back
+ servings
Southwest Pasta Salad

Zesty Southwest Pasta Salad That Everyone Will Love

Try this Southwest Pasta Salad, a vibrant and customizable dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta can use gluten-free pasta
For the Protein
  • 2 cups Grilled Chicken skip for vegetarian version or substitute with grilled tofu
For the Veggies
  • 1 can Black Beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Corn may substitute with diced zucchini or squash
  • 1 cup Bell Pepper may substitute with cucumbers
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion can use green onions for milder taste
  • 1 cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes can also use diced regular tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro can substitute with parsley
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Chipotle Ranch Dressing can use regular ranch for milder option

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, chop and prepare your vegetables. Drain and rinse the black beans and corn, then set aside. Dice the bell pepper and red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the cilantro. Dice the grilled chicken.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and diced grilled chicken. Gently mix everything together.
  4. Pour the chipotle ranch dressing over the mixture. Stir gently to coat all ingredients. Ensure everything is well covered.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  6. Once chilled, stir gently before serving. Enjoy on its own or as a side at barbecues and potlucks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow the salad to chill for at least 1 hour for best flavor. Customize ingredients as preferred. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!