Best 3 Southwest Pasta Salad Recipes

# Dive into the Zesty Flavors of Southwest Pasta Salad: A Culinary Journey through Bold Ingredients

Embark on a culinary adventure with our tantalizing Southwest pasta salad, a vibrant blend of flavors and textures that will ignite your taste buds. This refreshing dish combines the zesty kick of chili powder, cumin, and paprika with the sweetness of corn and black beans, all tossed in a tangy dressing. For a delightful twist, we've added juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red bell peppers, and refreshing cilantro, creating a symphony of colors and flavors.

Our recipe collection offers a diverse range of Southwest pasta salad variations to suit every palate. From a classic version that showcases the essential ingredients to innovative options like a creamy avocado dressing variation or a smoky chipotle dressing variation, each recipe promises a unique culinary experience.

Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a potluck, or simply seeking a flavorful meal, our Southwest pasta salad recipes are sure to impress. Dive in and explore the vibrant flavors of the Southwest, one bite at a time!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SOUTHWEST PASTA SALAD

Southwest Pasta Salad image

Prize-Winning Recipe 2009! Need a crowd-sized salad? Try a jazzed-up flavorful pasta salad you can have ready in just 30 minutes.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Side Dish

Time 30m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 boxes Betty Crocker™ Suddenly Salad® classic pasta salad mix
1/2 cup cold water
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 to 2 tablespoons red pepper sauce, if desired
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with jalapeños, drained
1 can (11 oz) whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained
1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
1/2 cup chopped red, yellow or green bell pepper
1 medium avocado, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
8 oz pepper Jack cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (2 cups)
Romaine lettuce leaves, if desired

Steps:

Empty Pasta mixes into 4-quart saucepan 2/3 full of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, in large bowl, stir together Seasoning mixes, cold water, olive oil, vinegar, cilantro, pepper sauce and cumin.
Drain pasta; rinse with cold water. Shake to drain well. Add pasta, beans, tomatoes, corn, olives, bell pepper, avocado and cheese to seasoning mixture; toss gently to coat. If desired, serve on a platter lined with lettuce leaves. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340, Carbohydrate 42 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 5 g, Protein 11 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 920 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 0 g

SOUTHWEST PASTA SALAD

Southwest Pasta Salad image

This simple pasta salad recipe is bursting with flavors. There's spice from the Rotel and tomatoes, a slight sweetness from the corn, and a wonderful crunch from the veggies. The best part is the homemade salad dressing recipe. It has the perfect balance of tang and spice. Great for a picnic, BBQ, or potluck.

Provided by Carolyn Haas

Categories Pasta Salads

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

3 c radiatore pasta, dry
1/2 c onion, chopped
1 medium red pepper, chopped (any color is ok)
1/2 c sliced black olives
1 stalk(s) celery, chopped
1 can(s) red kidney beans (15 oz) drained and rinsed
1 c frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 can(s) Rotel tomatoes with chilis (approx. 12 oz)
1/2 c olive oil
1/3 c white vinegar
1/3 c lime (or lemon) juice
1 1/2 Tbsp garlic salt
1 tsp sugar
1 Tbsp chili powder
1/4 c cilantro, chopped

Steps:

1. Boil pasta as directed on package.
2. Rinse and put in a large bowl.
3. Add all veggies.
4. Combine oil, vinegar, lemon juice, seasonings, and cilantro. Stir into pasta mixture. Let chill a few hours to blend flavors.

SOUTHWEST LAYERED PASTA SALAD

Southwest Layered Pasta Salad image

After the popularity of my Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (Thank you, JAP chefs!), I thought I'd develop another salad dish, this time with a Southwestern tang. As always, choose the ingredients your family loves and realize that the amounts are always your choice. I'm just going to list what I do and give you some more options. ...

Provided by Fran Miller

Categories Chicken Salads

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

some pasta; cooked, rinsed in cool water, drained (wagon wheel pasta is a nice touch) 1/2 pound of uncooked pasta makes enough for 4-6 servings
some salad dressing (ranch or chipotle ranch are my favorites)
some shredded or chopped lettuce
some tomato chunks
some sliced black olives
some chopped onion
some chopped peppers (green, jalapeno, etc...)
some cooked corn, drained & cooled
some black beans; cooked, rinsed in cool water, & drained
some shredded or small chunks of cheese (pepper jack, colby jack, cheddar, etc...)
some crumbled fritos
OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER...
some chicken strips or chunks, seasoned with southwestern spices
some salsa
some sour cream
some crumbled bacon or bacon bits
some ranch-flavored croutons, instead of crumbled fritos

Steps:

1. While pasta is cooking, prepare your chopped vegetables. If using canned corn or black beans, just rinse & drain well. Cover & refrigerate until ready to assemble the salad.
2. Mix the drained & cooled pasta with some of the salad dressing. Cover and refrigerate if you are not ready to eat.
3. When it's time for dinner, layer the pasta, then the vegetables, in a large pasta bowl or individual salad plates.
4. Top with crumbled Fritos and shredded cheese.
5. Decisions, decisions... Will you top with more salad dressing or possibly salsa & sour cream?
6. Whatever you decide, enjoy!

Tips:

For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe ingredients.
If you don't have any black beans, you can substitute another type of bean, such as kidney beans or pinto beans.
Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as chopped bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes.
If you want a spicier salad, add more chili powder or cayenne pepper.
The salad can be served immediately or chilled for later.

Conclusion:

Southwest pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer potluck or picnic. The combination of sweet corn, black beans, and tomatoes is refreshing and flavorful, and the dressing adds a tangy kick. This salad is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.

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