This Southwestern Pasta Salad is colorful and packed with flavor! It combines pasta, black beans, corn, and fresh veggies for a crunchy, tasty treat.
It’s perfect for picnics or quick lunches. I love how it can be made ahead of time. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a meal that tastes like sunshine? ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This shape holds the dressing and veggies well. If you don’t have rotini, you can use penne, fusilli, or any short pasta you have on hand.
Cooked Chicken: I like to use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider swapping it with diced avocado or grilled zucchini.
Black Beans: They offer protein and a creamy texture. You can replace them with kidney beans or chickpeas if you prefer a different flavor or need a change.
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious, but frozen corn works great too. If you’re avoiding corn, diced zucchini or even peas can be a nice alternative.
Cherry Tomatoes: These are sweet and easy to eat. If they’re out of season, use regular tomatoes chopped into small pieces. You could also try bell pepper slices for a different crunch.
Ranch Dressing: If ranch isn’t your favorite, try a vinaigrette or Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for a lighter option. Homemade dressing is easy and adds a personal touch!
How Do I Cook Perfect Pasta for a Salad?
Cooking pasta perfectly is crucial for great salad. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a large pot of salted water; this adds flavor to the pasta.
- Cook the rotini according to package instructions until just al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite.
- Once it’s done, drain the pasta immediately to stop the cooking process. Rinsing it under cold water removes excess starch and cools it quickly.
This method keeps the pasta from becoming mushy in your salad. Trust me, it’s worth the effort for a perfect bite!
How to Make Southwestern Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the salad, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in about 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and refreshing Southwestern Pasta Salad ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will also help stop the cooking process.
2. Mixing the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the diced cooked chicken, black beans, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced green bell pepper, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Stir everything gently to mix evenly.
3. Preparing the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, taco seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Combining and Chilling:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything together gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the creamy dressing. Now, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend deliciously!
5. Serving:
Once chilled, give the salad a quick stir and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it cold and enjoy every bite of your refreshing Southwestern Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! If you don’t have rotini, feel free to substitute with other shapes like penne, fusilli, or even bow tie pasta. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions for the best texture.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and consider adding more beans or some cubed avocado for added creaminess. You could also include additional veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for more flavor and nutrition!
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually improve as it sits! Just give it a good stir before serving again, and you can add a little extra ranch dressing if it seems dry.
Can I Use a Different Dressing?
Yes! If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can swap out the ranch dressing for a vinaigrette or a creamy Southwest dressing. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly, especially if the dressing is already flavorful.
