Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with this tantalizing pasta salad, Pioneer Woman style. A delightful fusion of textures and tastes, this dish is a symphony of colors, flavors and aromas. Tender pasta, succulent grilled chicken, crisp bell peppers, tangy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a burst of flavor from black beans, corn, and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing come together in perfect harmony. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed landscapes of the Southwest with this irresistible pasta salad. This recipe is not only a flavor sensation but also a visual masterpiece, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a delightful weeknight dinner. With a symphony of flavors, this pasta salad promises an explosion of taste in every bite. Variations of this recipe include a vegetarian option, a spicy version with roasted poblano peppers, and a creamy avocado dressing for those who prefer a richer flavor. These variations ensure that everyone can enjoy this delightful culinary creation.
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SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD
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
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
MEXICAN MACARONI SALAD
Steps:
- Grill the corn on a grill pan, or just place it in a hot skillet to brown some of the kernels. Remove from pan, allow to cool slightly, then use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob.Combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl and stir until combined. Place the macaroni, corn, beans, olives, tomatoes, green onions, red onion, and cilantro (if using) in a large bowl. Pour 3/4 of the dressing over the top and gently toss until all the ingredients are coated. Add the final 1/4 of the dressing if you think it needs it. Cover and allow salad to chill for 2 hours. Garnish with cilantro, lime wedge, and any other extra ingredients you have!
BLT PASTA SALAD
Steps:
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning as needed, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is golden and crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. (You may need to cook the bacon in two batches, draining the rendered fat from the skillet between batches.) Let the bacon cool to room temperature, then crumble up into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Add the pasta, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, herbs and half of the crumbled bacon to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold together to coat. Top with remaining bacon and serve.
SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD
Provided by Bobby Flay
Time 15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
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.
MEXICAN MACARONI SALAD
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 1h
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- For the salad: Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Heat an indoor grill and brush with oil. Cook the ears of corn, turning, until browned and cooked through. Cut the kernels off the cobs.
- Put the corn in a big bowl with the black beans, olives, tomatoes, green onions and red onions and toss to combine.
- For the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the salsa, sour cream, mayonnaise, cumin and salt and pepper to taste. Pour over the salad ingredients and fold together until everything is coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve chilled.
SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD
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
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
Tips:
- For the Best Flavor: Use fresh, ripe bell peppers, corn, and tomatoes. If you don't have fresh corn, you can use frozen or canned corn, but fresh corn will give you the best flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together and it will taste even better the next day.
- Add Some Heat: If you like your food spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the dressing. You can also add some chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers to the salad for an extra kick.
- Customize It: Feel free to add other ingredients to this salad, such as black beans, avocado, or grilled chicken. You can also use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rotini.
Conclusion:
This Southwest pasta salad is a delicious, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is packed with fresh vegetables and hearty pasta, and the tangy dressing adds a pop of flavor. Whether you are serving it as a main course or a side dish, this salad is sure to be a hit.
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