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Southwest Pasta Salad

Delicious Southwest Pasta Salad Perfect for Summer Feasts

This vibrant Southwest Pasta Salad combines fresh ingredients for a flavorful summer dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz rotini pasta Any medium pasta can work in a pinch.
  • 1 can black beans Drain and rinse before adding.
  • 1 can corn Fresh corn can be a delightful substitute.
  • 1 cup bell pepper Any variety (red, yellow, or green) is delicious.
  • 1 cup red onion Swap for green onions for a milder taste.
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes Diced regular tomatoes work well too.
  • 1/2 cup cilantro Parsley is a great alternative if preferred.
  • 2 cups grilled chicken Skip or replace with plant-based options for a vegetarian twist.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup chipotle ranch dressing Opt for regular ranch for a milder version.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Southwest Pasta Salad
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the 12 oz of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to dry completely for a few minutes.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, open and drain the can of black beans and the can of corn. Rinse them both under cool running water to remove excess sodium and preserve flavor. Set them aside to drain fully while you chop the fresh vegetables.
  3. Dice one cup of bell pepper along with one cup of red onion. Halve one cup of cherry or grape tomatoes and chop half a cup of fresh cilantro. If using grilled chicken, chop two cups into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared pasta, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and grilled chicken. Toss everything together gently using a spatula.
  5. Pour one cup of chipotle ranch dressing over the combined ingredients in the large bowl. Mix the dressing thoroughly into the salad until every piece is generously coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least one hour.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 35IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This salad is perfect for gatherings and can be customized with different vegetables or proteins.

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