Description
This vibrant and flavorful Southwestern Pasta Salad is perfect for colorful gatherings, combining rotini pasta with black beans, corn, fresh vegetables, cheddar cheese, and a smoky chipotle ranch dressing. It’s a refreshing, protein-packed dish ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a hearty side or main salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta (any pasta shape can be used)
- 15 ounces Black Beans (pinto or kidney beans as substitutes)
- 1 cup Corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (yellow or orange bell peppers can be substituted)
- 1 small Red Onion (green onions for milder taste)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (diced can be used)
- 1 medium Avocado (add just before serving to prevent browning)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro (parsley can replace)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (dairy-free cheese for vegan option)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (vegan mayo substitute available)
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt can be used)
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (fresh preferred)
- 1 clove Garlic (fresh minced preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1-2 pieces Chipotle Peppers in Adobo (adjust spice level)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water to cool and prevent sticking.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix the cooked pasta with black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, cilantro, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the salad: Pour the chipotle ranch dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Season: Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Chill the salad: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve cold.
Notes
- Add avocado just before serving to avoid browning.
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy with vegan mayonnaise and dairy-free cheese.
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer if rotini is unavailable.
- Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the spice level.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in the dressing.
