Southwest Pasta Salad
The ultimate summer dish! This Southwest Pasta Salad is bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh ingredients like black beans, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing. It's easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, making it a must-try for your next gathering!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound small pasta we used fusilli
- 15 ounces black beans drained
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup frozen corn thawed
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 3 ounces sliced black olives drained
- 1 jalapeño seeded and diced (optional)
- 1 cup thick creamy ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Start by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous amount of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta.
- Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about eight to ten minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep it from becoming mushy.
- While the pasta cools, prepare your vegetables. Chop the red bell pepper, cilantro, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the jalapeño if you’re using it.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, black beans, tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and olives.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Use a spatula to gently mix everything together until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Once everything is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully together.
- When ready to serve, give the salad a good stir and taste again. Adjust seasonings if necessary with more salt or pepper. Enjoy your refreshing Southwest Pasta Salad!
Notes
- Tip 1: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.
- Tip 2: This salad isn’t ideal for freezing because the texture of the vegetables may change once thawed.
- Tip 3: This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside tacos for a fun theme.
- Tip 4: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have. Add avocado, zucchini, or even different beans to mix things up.
- Tip 5: This dish is excellent for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance for a barbecue or picnic.