Best 11 Southwestern Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Southwest with our Southwestern Pasta Salad. This vibrant dish combines tender pasta, succulent grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing for a fiesta in your mouth. The zesty dressing, made with a blend of tangy lime juice, earthy cumin, and aromatic cilantro, elevates this salad to a new level of deliciousness.

This recipe also offers two additional pasta salad variations to suit your preferences and dietary needs: a vegetarian version with grilled vegetables and a creamy avocado dressing for a luscious twist; and a vegan version that substitutes tofu for chicken and uses a tangy tahini-based dressing.

Here are our top 11 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

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 BLACK BEAN PASTA SALAD



Southwestern Black Bean Pasta Salad image

When I first served this jazzed-up pasta salad for my mom's birthday dinner, it was so well-received that I couldn't wait to make it again! Chose the flavor of salsa to suit your family's taste.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces uncooked spiral pasta
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
3/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped red onion
SALAD DRESSING:
1 cup ranch salad dressing
1 cup salsa
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse in cold water; drain. In a large salad bowl, combine the pasta, black beans, peppers and onion. Combine the salad dressing, salsa and cayenne. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 282 calories, Fat 15g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 412mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

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.

ZESTY SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD



Zesty Southwestern Pasta Salad image

This goes over well at potlucks - when there's a choice of more than one pasta salad, this one usually goes first. Oddly enough, the leftovers make good soup, too! I just add the leftovers to some vegetable broth and canned tomatoes, and season it with more of the same spices that were in the recipe. This recipe originally came from allrecipes.com, but I have tweaked it in a way that suits me better. As always I have cut back on the oil and lime juice, so add more back in if it suits you. I love the amount of chili powder and cumin in this, but it may be a bit much for some so use less if you don't like those flavors as much as I do.

Provided by Vino Girl

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 2h30m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 ounces small shell pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

Steps:

  • Prepare pasta according to package instructions.
  • When making pasta salad, I like to cook my pasta a minute or two less than recommended so it stays firmer in the dressing, and holds up better against breaking apart when tossing.
  • Drain and rinse under cold water.
  • In a large bowl whisk together oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and garlic.
  • Gently stir in pasta and set aside.
  • Gently stir in corn, beans, green pepper, red pepper, onion, tomatoes and 1/2 of the cilantro leaves.
  • Garnish with the remaining cilantro.
  • Cover and chill at least 2 hours.

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Southwestern Chicken Pasta Salad image

Dinner ready in 30 minutes! Enjoy this delicious pasta salad flavored with Old El Paso® salsa and made using chicken and corn - perfect for a Southwestern meal.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 oz. (2 cups) uncooked rainbow rotini (spiral pasta)
1 (9-oz.) pkg. frozen southwestern-flavored cooked chicken breast strips, thawed, diced
1 medium avocado, pitted, peeled and diced
1 large tomato, chopped
1 (11-oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn, drained
1/2 cup sliced green onions
4 oz. (1 cup) finely shredded Mexican cheese blend
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky salsa
1 (11-oz.) pkg. torn romaine and iceberg lettuce blend (6 cups)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Cook and drain rotini as directed on package. Rinse with cold water to cool. Drain well.
  • Meanwhile, in large bowl, mix chicken, avocado, tomato, corn, onions and cheese. In small bowl, mix mayonnaise and salsa.
  • Add rotini to salad; stir gently to mix. Add mayonnaise mixture to salad; toss to coat. Arrange lettuce blend on individual plates. Spoon salad over lettuce. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 565, Carbohydrate 40 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Fat 7, Fiber 5 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 775 mg, Sugar 7 g

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN AND PASTA SALAD



Southwestern Chicken and Pasta Salad image

Provided by Erin Renouf Mylroie

Categories     Salad     Chicken     Pasta     Tomato     Kid-Friendly     Quick & Easy     Back to School     Summer     Cilantro     Bon Appétit     California     Small Plates

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups diced cooked chicken
8 green onions, chopped
6 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 15-ounce can golden hominy, drained
1 15-ounce can black beans, drained
1 12-ounce bottle mild green taco sauce
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain; rinse under cold running water and drain again.
  • Transfer pasta to large bowl. Add oil and toss to coat. Mix in chicken, green onions, tomatoes, hominy, beans, taco sauce and cilantro. Season salad generously with salt and pepper.

LAYERED SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD



Layered Southwestern Pasta Salad image

This always goes over very well when I've taken this to pot-lucks. I use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream, so it makes a healthy, and flavorful dish. In a clear straight-sided bowl, this makes a nice colorful presentation.

Provided by Beth A.

Categories     Low Cholesterol

Time 20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

8 ounces medium pasta shells, uncooked
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin
salt, to taste
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (11 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
3/4 cup green onion, sliced
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can black olives, drained and sliced

Steps:

  • Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold water. Drain again.
  • Toss with oil and sprinkle with cumin; salt to taste.
  • Layer pasta, beans, corn, bell pepper, green onion and olives in a 2 1/2 to 3 quart straight sided bowl.
  • In a small bowl combine mayo, sour cream and salsa; mix well. Spread evenly over top of pasta, sealing to edge of bowl. Sprinkle with cilantro.
  • (Best if refrigerated several hours, or overnight before serving.).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 475.2, Fat 18.1, SaturatedFat 4.6, Cholesterol 16.1, Sodium 621.5, Carbohydrate 67.3, Fiber 9.9, Sugar 5.7, Protein 14.4

V'S SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD



V's Southwestern Pasta Salad image

If you like a citrus based dressing with rotini pasta, give this one a try. I make this salad for a nice refreshing twist for pasta salad. This is one of our family favorite Southwestern Salads. Enjoy as a side dish or add cooked chicken and make it a meal in one! Served chilled Bueno ;)

Provided by Vseward Chef-V

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 30m

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

16 ounces rotini pasta
1/4 cup light olive oil
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne, to taste
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried cilantro
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon salsa, to taste
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 1/2 cups whole kernel corn (can, Frozen or Fresh)
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, rough chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup red onion
1 large avocado, sliced

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, vinegar, lime juice, cayenne, cumin, salt, garlic, dried cilantro and salsa.
  • Stir in corn, beans, green pepper, red pepper, tomatoes, olives and 1/2 of the cilantro leaves. Spoon onto a platter and garnish with avocado and remaining cilantro. Serve chilled.

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD



Southwestern Pasta Salad image

What's the secret to this delicious pasta salad? Using jarred salsa in the dressing makes it flavorful and simple to prepare.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 2h20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups uncooked rotini pasta (8 oz)
1 cup Cascadian Farm® frozen organic sweet corn
1 jar (16 oz) Muir Glen™ organic medium garlic-cilantro salsa
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon coarse (kosher or sea) salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (2.25 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained

Steps:

  • Cook pasta as directed on box, adding corn during last 2 minutes of cook time. Drain; rinse with cold water.
  • In large bowl, stir together salsa, olive oil, lime juice and salt. Stir in pasta and remaining ingredients.
  • Cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 290, Carbohydrate 56 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 8 g, Protein 11 g, SaturatedFat 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 780 mg

SOUTHWESTERN RANCH PASTA SALAD



Southwestern Ranch Pasta Salad image

Whipping up a great pasta salad while the meat is grilling is easy with Suddenly Salad. Just toss in your favorite veggies, stir and voilà!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 box Betty Crocker™ Suddenly Salad® classic pasta salad mix
1 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup spicy ranch or regular ranch dressing
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 1/2 cups small broccoli florets
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
4 medium green onions, sliced (1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Tortilla chips, if desired

Steps:

  • Empty Pasta mix into 3-quart saucepan 2/3 full of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding corn during last 2 minutes of cooking.
  • Drain pasta and corn; rinse with cold water. Shake to drain well.
  • Im medium bowl, stir together seasoning mix, dressing and lime juice. Stir in pasta with corn and remaining ingredients except tortilla chips. Serve salad with tortilla chips. Serve immediately, or refrigerate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270, Carbohydrate 34 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 840 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

  • Prepare Ingredients beforehand: Before starting, measure and cut all ingredients to save time and ensure smooth cooking.
  • Cook Pasta Perfectly: Follow package instructions for cooking pasta to achieve al dente texture. If using gluten-free pasta, adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Marinate Chicken Thoroughly: Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness. Alternatively, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
  • Use Fresh Vegetables: For optimal taste and texture, use fresh, crisp vegetables. Cut them into uniform sizes for even cooking.
  • Balance Flavors: Adjust the amount of spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. A harmonious blend of flavors creates a well-rounded dish.

Conclusion:

Southwestern pasta salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes for a perfect summer meal. With a combination of juicy chicken, tender pasta, and an array of colorful vegetables tossed in a zesty dressing, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It's easy to prepare, versatile enough for customization, and packed with wholesome ingredients for a satisfying culinary experience. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Southwestern pasta salad.

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