This Southwestern Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of tasty ingredients like pasta, black beans, corn, and colorful veggies. It’s fresh, creamy, and has a little kick!
I love how this salad is perfect for picnics or simple dinners. Plus, it’s so easy to make—you just toss everything together and enjoy. Who doesn’t love minimal effort for maximum flavor?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta is great for holding onto the dressing and toppings. If you can’t find rotini, penne or fusilli make good substitutes. Gluten-free pasta is another option if you’re looking for a gluten-free dish.
Cooked Chicken: Diced rotisserie chicken is super convenient, but pre-cooked grilled chicken or even leftover roasted chicken works well, too. For a vegetarian version, swap in diced tofu or chickpeas!
Black Beans: These add protein and a lovely texture. If you’re not a fan or have dietary restrictions, try kidney beans or even white beans as a substitute.
Corn: While fresh corn is delicious, canned or frozen corn is just as good and saves time. If you’re looking for a flavor twist, try using grilled corn instead.
Cherry Tomatoes: These are sweet and juicy, but you can use any diced tomato variety. Sun-dried tomatoes also bring a different flavor if you want to be adventurous!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Well Mixed and Flavorful?
Mixing your pasta salad properly is key to enhancing the flavors. Here’s how:
- After cooking the rotini, rinse it in cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps it firm and prevents it from getting mushy.
- When combining your ingredients, start with the chicken, beans, corn, and veggies before adding the pasta. This allows you to ensure even distribution of the flavors.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together thoroughly to make sure they blend well. Pouring the dressing over the salad while tossing helps each piece get coated evenly.
- Letting the salad chill in the fridge lets the flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite delightful.
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, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Southwestern Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In just under an hour, you’ll have a flavorful and refreshing dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. This will stop the cooking process and help keep the pasta firm. Set the cooled pasta aside.
2. Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the diced chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, diced green bell pepper, chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together nicely.
3. Mix in the Pasta:
Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl with the chicken and vegetables. Carefully mix everything until the pasta is well combined with all the ingredients.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, lime juice, chili powder (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing will add lots of flavor to your salad!
5. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad and toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are coated in the dressing.
6. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you’re using shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle it on top of the salad and give it a gentle stir to combine.
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the pasta salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors blend beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, dish out the salad and add some extra cilantro on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious Southwestern Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding dressing and other ingredients, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well too! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
Can I Substitute the Chicken?
Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken for other proteins like tofu, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. If using tofu, make sure to press it to remove excess moisture before dicing and sautéing it lightly for added flavor.
How Do I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this Southwestern Pasta Salad vegan, simply replace the ranch dressing with a vegan ranch or a vinaigrette of lime juice, olive oil, and spices. You can also skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute for a similar flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta salad may get a bit dry as it sits, so consider adding a splash more of dressing before serving to freshen it up!
