Forktionary

V's Southwestern Pasta Salad Recipe

Craving a vibrant and refreshing pasta salad? This Southwestern-inspired recipe is a fiesta of flavors! A zesty citrus dressing coats perfectly cooked rotini pasta, tossed with corn, black beans, bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, and a hint of spice. Enjoy it chilled as a light side dish or add grilled chicken for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready for a taste of sunshine!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 348.2 kcal
Protein 21g
Rating 5.0 (4 Reviews)
V's Southwestern Pasta Salad 18

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for V's Southwestern Pasta Salad

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How to Make V's Southwestern Pasta Salad

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water (about 6 quarts) to a rolling boil.
  2. Add 1 pound rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  3. While the pasta cooks, whisk together in a large bowl: 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon dried cilantro, and 1 cup salsa.
  4. Add 1 cup frozen corn (thawed), 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 cup chopped green bell pepper, 1 cup chopped red bell pepper, 1 cup chopped tomatoes, and 1/2 cup sliced black olives to the dressing.
  5. Gently stir in the cooked rotini pasta and 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  6. Spoon the salad onto a serving platter or individual bowls.
  7. Garnish with 1 ripe avocado, diced, and the remaining fresh cilantro. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
  8. Enjoy chilled!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

13 g

Sugar

14g

Fat

8g

Carbs

17g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Salads Lunch Main Dish / Dinner Sweets & Sides Side Dishes Bean & Lentil Recipes The Americas American Mexican Southern Healthy Vegetarian Summer Recipes Game Day Recipes 30 Minutes Or Less

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Salads Side Dishes Pasta Vegetables American Southwestern United States Easy Beginner Cook Kid Friendly Salad Dressings Dietary Comfort Food Toddler Friendly Pasta Rice And Grains Brunch Taste Mood Presentation Served Cold 3 Steps Or Less