How long can Southwest Pasta Salad be stored?

Southwest Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld the longer it sits, making it a great make-ahead dish.

Can I make Southwest Pasta Salad vegetarian?

Yes! To make Southwest Pasta Salad vegetarian, simply omit the grilled chicken and add extra black beans or diced avocado for added protein and richness.

Can I use a different dressing for Southwest Pasta Salad?

While the chipotle ranch dressing is a key component of this recipe, you can swap it with other dressings like a spicy vinaigrette, cilantro lime dressing, or a creamy avocado dressing to fit your taste preferences.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?

Absolutely! While rotini pasta works best for holding the dressing, you can use any medium or short pasta such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle. Just be sure to cook it al dente to maintain the best texture.

Southwest Pasta Salad – Easy & Delicious Recipe

Name: Southwest Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 1 h 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta; 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed); 1 can corn (drained); 1 cup bell pepper (diced); 1 cup red onion (diced); 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (cut in half); 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped); 2 cups grilled chicken (chopped); 1 cup chipotle ranch dressing

Description

Southwest Pasta Salad is a flavorful and vibrant dish packed with cold pasta, grilled chicken, vegetables, and a smoky chipotle ranch dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for a BBQ, picnic, or light lunch, offering a delicious blend of southwest flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz rotini pasta
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can corn (drained)
1 cup bell pepper (diced)
1 cup red onion (diced)
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (cut in half)
1/2 cup cilantro (chopped)
2 cups grilled chicken (chopped)
1 cup chipotle ranch dressing

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
Drain and rinse the black beans and corn. Dice the bell pepper, red onion, and tomatoes. Chop the cilantro and grill or chop the chicken.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and grilled chicken.
Pour the chipotle ranch dressing over the ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the grilled chicken and add extra black beans or diced avocado.
You can substitute the chipotle ranch dressing with a spicy vinaigrette for a lighter alternative.
For added texture, top the salad with diced jalapeños, avocado, or cheese of your choice.
Make ahead: This salad is best after chilling for an hour but can be stored for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: American, Southwestern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 340 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 253mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 36mg