Southwest Pasta Salad Recipe
Southwest Pasta Salad is so satisfying with just the right amount of zesty kick. Tender pasta, crunchy fresh veggies, corn, and black beans dressed with a delicious Chipotle Ranch Dressing. The perfect side dish for potlucks, cookouts, and BBQS.
How to Make the Best Southwest Pasta Salad
This Southwest Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for summer gatherings, potlucks, and backyard barbecues. Packed with colorful vegetables, hearty black beans, and sweet charred corn, every bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and bold southwestern flavors. The creamy chipotle ranch dressing ties everything together with just the right amount of smoky heat.
What makes this pasta salad stand out is the balance of fresh, vibrant ingredients with that irresistible chipotle kick. The charred corn adds a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing, while the fresh cilantro and lime zest brighten up every forkful. It’s a refreshing yet substantial side dish that works equally well alongside grilled meats or as a light main course on its own.
Best of all, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld in the refrigerator. Make it ahead for your next gathering and watch it disappear!
Southwest Pasta Salad
Southwest Pasta Salad is so satisfying with just the right amount of zesty kick. Tender pasta, crunchy fresh veggies, corn, and black beans dressed with a delicious Chipotle Ranch Dressing. The perfect side dish for potlucks, cookouts, and BBQS.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Instructions
Prepare the Salad
- Boil the pasta according to the package directions using salted boiling water.
- Grill fresh husked corn on high heat, turning every 2-3 minutes until lightly charred. You can also do this in a skillet or grill pan on the stovetop. Cut the corn off the cob. Alternatively, use frozen corn that has been thoroughly thawed.
- In a bowl, stir together the cooked pasta, corn, black beans, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, jalapeno, coriander, salt, lime zest, and 1 cup Chipotle Ranch Dressing.
- Add more chipotle powder, lime juice, and salt to taste. You want it zesty and flavorful! If making ahead, taste it right before serving and adjust the seasoning.
Notes
- For the chipotle powder, start with less and add more to taste—it can be quite spicy.
- Fire roasted frozen corn works great if you can't find fresh corn.
- This salad is perfect for making ahead; just wait to add the dressing until right before serving for the best texture.
