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Southwest Pasta Salad Recipe (Quick and Easy!)

Southwest Pasta Salad

Welcome to the vibrant world of Southwest Pasta Salad, where flavors from the sunny Southwest blend beautifully with the hearty goodness of pasta. This refreshing dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Calories: 375
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 can black beans 15 ounces, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn fresh, frozen, or canned
  • 1 each red bell pepper diced
  • 1 each green bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
To Taste
  • Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Spatula or Large Spoon

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes, until al dente. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Once the pasta is cooked, pour it into a colander to drain the water. Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  3. Step 3: While your pasta is cooling, chop your vegetables: dice the red and green bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion and cilantro.
  4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, black beans, corn, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
  5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Step 6: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently to combine. Ensure all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
  7. Step 7: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
  8. Step 8: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

The Southwest Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own. It holds up well in the fridge, and the flavors only get better as it sits.