Best 5 Southwestern Ranch Pasta Salad Recipes

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In this culinary adventure, we present a delightful Southwestern Ranch Pasta Salad, a dish that harmoniously blends the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with the creamy indulgence of ranch dressing. This tantalizing pasta salad boasts a medley of textures and colors, featuring tender cooked pasta, crisp bell peppers, tangy cherry tomatoes, and a symphony of fresh herbs. Marinated in a luscious Southwestern Ranch dressing, each bite offers a burst of flavors that dance on the palate. Accompanying this main recipe are three additional variations, each adding a unique twist to the classic dish. Embrace the zesty kick of the Spicy Southwestern Ranch Pasta Salad, or indulge in the creamy decadence of the Avocado Southwestern Ranch Pasta Salad. For a lighter option, the Greek Yogurt Southwestern Ranch Pasta Salad offers a refreshing and tangy alternative. With its versatility and flavor combinations, this Southwestern Ranch Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering, leaving your taste buds craving more.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

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

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

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 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

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 RANCH PASTA SALAD



Southwest Ranch Pasta Salad image

I came up with this from what I had in my pantry. I used half a box of shells and half rotini. Could add olives, cheese, corn or whatever you have in a pinch. I also had a jar of ranch seasoning which I just mixed with milk and mayo.

Provided by Elisa

Categories     < 15 Mins

Time 15m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 lb shell pasta
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 tomatoes, chopped
3 tablespoons bacon bits
1 cup ranch dressing
1 tablespoon taco seasoning

Steps:

  • Boil pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain well.
  • Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
  • Refrigerate for 30 min to soften bacon bits.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 505.2, Fat 22.9, SaturatedFat 3.8, Cholesterol 16, Sodium 550.3, Carbohydrate 62.6, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 4.5, Protein 12.1

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Chop the vegetables into small, even pieces so they cook evenly.
  • Use a flavorful dressing, such as the southwestern ranch dressing in this recipe.
  • Chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Conclusion:

Southwestern ranch pasta salad is a delicious, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is packed with flavor and can be customized to your liking. With its combination of fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and tangy cheese, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit at your next party or potluck.

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