Best 6 Southwest Macaroni Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a tantalizing culinary journey with our Southwest macaroni salad, a vibrant fusion of flavors and textures that will elevate your taste buds. This delectable dish combines the classic comfort of macaroni salad with a zesty Southwestern twist, featuring a medley of colorful vegetables, tender macaroni, and a tangy dressing that packs a punch. Get ready to embark on a flavor adventure as we guide you through the simple steps to create this refreshing and satisfying salad, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a delightful lunch. Alongside the main recipe, we'll also introduce you to a collection of equally enticing variations, including a creamy avocado-lime dressing, a spicy chipotle ranch dressing, and a vibrant salsa dressing. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's dive into the delightful world of Southwest macaroni salad!

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD



Southwestern Pasta Salad image

Really popular at potlucks--make a double batch! Very easy and very delicious. Serve on a bed of lettuce for a nice touch.

Provided by Lisa Provost

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

½ (16 ounce) package rotini pasta
⅓ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chili powder, or to taste
2 teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 ½ cups whole kernel corn
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup diced green bell pepper
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup chopped roma (plum) tomatoes

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • In a large bowl combine oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and garlic. Stir in pasta and set aside to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in corn, beans, green pepper, red pepper and 1/2 of the cilantro leaves. Spoon onto a platter and garnish with tomatoes and remaining cilantro. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 216.6 calories, Carbohydrate 27.2 g, Fat 10.3 g, Fiber 6.1 g, Protein 6.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 468.3 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

SOUTHERN MACARONI SALAD RECIPE



Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe image

Macaroni Pasta Salad is an old Southern classic recipe. Great for home, picnics, potluck dinners, any old place. Can be prepared a day or two ahead of time if needed and travels well. Best if served chilled.

Provided by Steve Gordon

Categories     Side Dish

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 8oz. package Elbow Macaroni, cooked and drained.
1 cup Duke's Mayonnaise
2 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tablespoon prepared Mustard
1 teaspoon Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 cup Celery, sliced
1/2 cup Green or Red Sweet Pepper, chopped
1/4 cup Onion, chopped

Steps:

  • Prepare macaroni pasta according to package directions.
  • Drain pasta, set aside.
  • Place Dukes mayonnaise In a large mixing bowl.
  • Add vinegar.
  • Add mustard.
  • Add sugar.
  • Add salt.
  • Add black pepper.
  • Mix together well.
  • Add the drained pasta.
  • Add celery.
  • Add peppers.
  • Add onion.
  • Toss everything to coat well.
  • Cover bowl. Refrigerate for 2 or more hours to chill.
  • Enjoy!

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD



Southwestern Pasta Salad image

I created this southwestern pasta salad for a friend who owns a catering business. I was told it was a hit at her events and it's now among the most-requested dishes. -Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon salsa
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package (16 ounces) uncooked spiral or cavatappi pasta
1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 small green pepper, finely chopped
1 small sweet red pepper, finely chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, divided
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and sliced

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, whisk the first 8 ingredients until blended. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water., In a large bowl, mix pasta, corn, beans, tomatoes, olives, peppers, onion and 1/4 cup cilantro. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving., Just before serving, top with avocado and the remaining cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 203 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 191mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD



Southwestern Pasta Salad image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound orecchiette, cooked al dente
2 yellow peppers, grilled and julienned
1 red onion, finely sliced
6 tomatillos, quartered
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 cup frozen baby lima beans, thawed
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 canned chipotle pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped

Steps:

  • Place cooked pasta in a large bowl, add peppers, onions, tomatillo, corn and lima beans. Place vinegar and chipotle peppers in a blender and blend until smooth. Slowly add olive oil until emulsified and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the salad with the dressing and add cilantro.

CREAMY SOUTHWEST RANCH PASTA SALAD RECIPE



Creamy Southwest Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe image

This recipe for refreshing and delicious make ahead Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad has lots of Southwest flair like black beans, corn, and bold spices.

Provided by Sommer Collier

Categories     Appetizer     Salad     Side Dish

Time 23m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound small pasta (we used fusilli)
15 ounce 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 ounce sliced black olives (drained)
1 jalapeno (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

Steps:

  • Place a large pot of salted water over high heat. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool.
  • Meanwhile chop all necessary ingredients.
  • Set out a large salad bowl. Add in the cooked pasta, black beans, tomatoes, corn, chopped bell pepper, onion, cilantro, olives, and jalapeno.
  • In a separate bowl (or measuring pitcher) combine the ranch dressing, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Mix well. Then taste, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Mix the dressing into the pasta salad and gently stir until well coated.
  • Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. (Allowing the pasta salad ingredients to rest with the dressing longer creates a better overall flavor.)

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup, Calories 322 kcal, Carbohydrate 45 g, Protein 9 g, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 7 mg, Sodium 339 mg, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 3 g

SOUTHWEST MACARONI SALAD



Southwest Macaroni Salad image

Found this in the Dallas Morning News and wanted to save. This recipes uses healthy pasta and reduced-fat ingredients.

Provided by TXOLDHAM

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 (14 1/2 ounce) box barillaplus rotini pasta
1 tablespoon lime peel, finely grated
3 tablespoons lime juice, fresh
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half (or grape tomatoes)
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, made with 2 percent milk, finely shredded
2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
2 medium green onions, sliced
1 (16 ounce) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4 1/2 ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained
1 (1 ounce) packet ranch dressing mix, use 1/2 package
1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
1/2 cup nonfat milk
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup light sour cream

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to directions on the package. Rinse with cold water to cool and drain .
  • In a small bowl whisk together the ranch salad dressing mix, buttermilk, fat-free milk, light mayo and light sour cream. Stir in lime juice, lime peel and taco seasoning mix.
  • In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with tomatoes, beans, cheese, green onions and green chilies. Pour dressing mixture over the salad and toss gently to mix.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 351.2, Fat 6.8, SaturatedFat 2.6, Cholesterol 13.2, Sodium 132.3, Carbohydrate 57.6, Fiber 6.7, Sugar 4.6, Protein 15.2

Tips:

  • Using a high-quality mayonnaise is key to a flavorful macaroni salad. Look for one made with fresh, simple ingredients and avoid brands that contain a lot of fillers or preservatives.
  • Freshly cooked macaroni is best for this salad. If you're using leftover macaroni, be sure to rinse it well with cold water before adding it to the salad.
  • Don't be afraid to add your own favorite ingredients to this salad. Some popular additions include chopped celery, bell pepper, onion, or hard-boiled eggs.
  • For a more flavorful salad, marinate the vegetables in the dressing for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the macaroni.
  • Serve the salad chilled for the best flavor.

Conclusion:

Southwest macaroni salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or main course. With its zesty dressing and flavorful ingredients, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or gathering.

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