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–+ servings
Southwest Pasta Salad

Southwest Pasta Salad: A Fresh Twist for Summer Gatherings

Enjoy this vibrant Southwest Pasta Salad, a delightful mix of fresh ingredients—perfect for summer gatherings and customizable to your taste.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Rotini Pasta Fusilli or penne can be excellent alternatives.
For the Protein
  • 15 oz Black Beans Feel free to use kidney beans or pinto beans.
  • 1 cup Grilled Chicken Replace with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Corn Canned or frozen works, but fresh is delightful.
  • 1 large Bell Pepper Any color works.
  • 1 small Red Onion Green onions can be a milder substitute.
  • 1 cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes Diced tomatoes can also be used.
  • 1 bunch Cilantro Substitute parsley if not a fan.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Chipotle Ranch Dressing Swap for a regular ranch if preferred.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • strainer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain, and rinse under cold water to halt cooking.
  2. While the pasta cools, wash and prep your vegetables. Drain and rinse the black beans and corn. Dice bell pepper and red onion; halve cherry or grape tomatoes. Chop cilantro and dice grilled chicken if using.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add cooled rotini pasta, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and grilled chicken. Gently toss to combine.
  4. Drizzle chipotle ranch dressing over the salad and gently fold to coat evenly. Taste as you go to reach desired creaminess and spice.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow salad to chill for best flavor. Rinse pasta to keep it al dente. This salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

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