Southwestern Pasta Salad

Dive into this rich, flavor-packed Southwestern pasta salad! Smoky chipotle peppers, tender-crisp corn, tangy tomatoes, creamy pinto beans, buttery avocado, and refreshing cilantro all play key roles in this crowd favorite. The best part? A creamy, spicy dressing that coats every nook and cranny. Bring this zesty side dish to a cookout to accompany grilled chicken or burgers, or add it to your list of satisfying cold lunch ideas. It's one of the best pasta salads that you'll make all season long.

Is Southwestern pasta salad spicy?

It's zesty, but it doesn't have a ton of heat. If you'd like to punch up the spice, add an extra chipotle pepper to the dressing!

What's in ranch seasoning mix?

It's a mix of buttermilk powder, dried herbs like parsley, chives, and dill, and spices such as garlic powder and onion powder. There's also typically some salt and pepper. You can buy a packet of this blend from the grocery store, or make your own using this homemade ranch seasoning recipe. You'll need about 1/4 cup.

Can you use frozen corn in southwestern pasta salad?

Yes, you can. While fresh summer corn is divine in this pasta salad, thawed frozen corn kernels can be used in a snap. This swap is especially helpful when making southwestern pasta salad outside of corn season.

Can you use bottled salad dressing in southwestern pasta salad?

This recipe makes about 1 2/3 cups of dressing. While you could substitute the same amount of your favorite creamy dressing, this homemade dressing is not only more concentrated in flavor than the bottled type, but it is made with fresh, zesty, and spicy ingredients. Southwestern dressing also comes together in a flash in a blender or food processor. Made with sour cream, mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, cumin, and lime, this smoky sauce uses the ultimate kitchen hack: ranch seasoning. Simple and delicious, who could resist?

What pasta is good in Southwestern pasta salad?

Short pasta shapes are really great for pasta salads, especially if they have some rougher edges and openings so that all the smaller ingredients get well distributed and the dressing coats everything. This recipe calls for shells because they have perfect little pockets for ingredients to hide in, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and texture. Orecchiette is another nice option, while rotini, elbow macaroni, penne, and cavatappi are also pasta salad staples.

Can Southwestern pasta salad be made ahead of time?

Yes! This salad stays fresh for up to 24 hours in a covered container in the refrigerator. If making it the day before, keep the avocado and cilantro on the side until ready to serve so the avocado stays bright green and the cilantro remains extra fresh. The pasta will soak up some of the dressing as it rests overnight, so take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving and add a splash or two of milk before giving it a big stir and serving.

How long can Southwestern pasta salad sit out?

According to the USDA, pasta salad shouldn't be left out for more than two hours. If it's above 90 degrees, it shouldn't sit out more than one hour. To be safe, pop this pasta salad in the fridge or your ice chest any time you're not actively serving it.