This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. Full Disclosure Policy.
Tuck into this gorgeous, fresh easy Southwest Pasta Salad! Black beans, corn, red peppers, jalapenos, cilantro and red onions feature in this easy to make pasta salad.
With the addition of the lime vinaigrette… oh, myyyyyyy.
How yummy is THIS? I’m super excited to share this with you guys. This is a pasta salad that can be a full meal, a side or a snack. This recipe is SO easy, and I love it!
Living in Arizona, I am so lucky to be influenced by these southwestern flavors, and absolutely love to use them wherever I can. This dish is SO southwestern, the only thing it doesn’t have is avocado!
I probably make this at least once a week during summer, and just make more when we eat it all. Do yourself a favor and make a double batch. One for dinner that night, and one for leftovers – this makes a great lunch over the next few days.
If you love salad recipes – you’ll also enjoy my Antipasto Pasta Salad, Kale Salad or my Potato Salad!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy to make ahead.
- Makes a lot!
- GREAT flavors!
This is such a crowd pleaser, and makes me super popular when I bring this to pot-lucks, or to back yard barbecues! Filled with satisfying ingredients, people usually go back for a second, third and fourth helping. I’m totally okay with that.
Can I make this Southwest Pasta Salad ahead?
YES!!!!
Like chili, curry and lasagna…this easy pasta salad actually improves if you let it sit in the fridge for a day or so. The flavors intensify, and the pasta marinates in the dressing, making it super flavorful.
I make this ahead and let it hang out and just grab a bowl here or there – lunch, a dinner, whatever.
Ingredients:
How to make Southwestern Pasta Salad
Full, printable recipe below – just scroll down to the recipe card!
- Cook your pasta, and drain it and set aside to cool.
- Chop your vegetables.
- Drain your beans and corn, and rinse.
- Whisk up the vinaigrette.
- Combine everything and top with cheese, extra cilantro and lime wedges.
- Ta-da!!
If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on Kylee Cooks, leave a comment and rating – I truly love to hear from you!
Find me on Pinterest, Facebook & Instagram for more delicious recipes!
Easy Southwest Pasta Salad with Lime Vinaigrette Dressing
Suggested Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz Gemelli Pasta
- 15.25oz can sweet corn
- 15oz can black beans
- 1 cup red pepper (diced)
- ½ cup red onion (diced small)
- 1 small jalapeño (diced small)
- 1/2 cup cilantro finely chopped
DRESSING
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup white vinegar (use white wine or rice)
- ¼ cup lime juice fresh
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 clove garlic , minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cracked pepper
GARNISH
- Queso Fresco cheese (I used about 1/3 of a round)
- Extra limes
- Extra cilantro
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Drain and set aside to cool.
- Drain and rinse the corn and black beans, and dice the fresh vegetables.
Make the dressing:
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients, until very well blended (alternatively put all the ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake).
Assembly
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, the vegetables and the dressing.
Serve
Garnish with Queso Fresco cheese, extra limes and cilantro.
- Serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator for a few days.
- Devour.
nutrition facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
Recipes written and produced on Kylee Cooks are for informational purposes only. Kylee is not a certified nutritionist. Nutritional data provided on Kylee Cooks has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration.
Monica | Nourish and Fete says
I love the sound of this, especially that amazing vinaigrette! Making this this summer on repeat!
Chandice Probst says
This is such a delicious, easy and flavorful pasta! Lots of good flavors!
Dani States says
Yea! So fresh and delicious!
I made some minor modifications:
Used Tagliatelle (bow ties) instead
Added diced avocado
Used Feta in place of queso fresco
and served on a bed of fresh baby spinach
This is be a new summer staple! Thank you. 🙂
Tricia says
This salad is delicious! I substituted for the canned corn, 2 cups of frozen grilled corn (Trader Joe’s) and that worked well!! I was hesitant about 2 tsp of the cumin but it worked! It will be a repeat!! Great for potlucks too.
swathi says
Love this colorful filling pasta salad. I need to look for this in my neighborhood Kroger. This is really summery also. Love this kind of healthy salad meal.
Adriana Lopez Martn says
This pasta is perfect for the summer. very nice combinations and the addition of the beans is just perfect for a pasta e fagioli take on a classic.
Priya srinivasan says
Wow that looks very colorful! We love pasta salads, that too a bit cold!
Love the addition of corn and cheese! This makes a scrumptious meal anytime!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
What a terrific combination of ingredients. They scream Southwestern flavor and they make a perfect side to a grilled meat — anyone for chicken or ribs? The colors are so bright and festive!
Whitney @WhittyPaleo says
Love your pictures! This recipe would definitely be great for a make-ahead meal plus I love the addition of the lime vinaigrette – I am so for that!
Helene D'Souza says
Never heard of this pasta brand before. Your dish looks super enticing. I can imagine having it for dinner sometime.
Veena Azmanov says
I do love pasta salad and that looks so colorful. I like when I can make something in advance so I don’t have to worry later. This looks like a perfect make ahead salad,
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
I love a great pasta salad, and you’ve loaded this one up with all sorts of great flavors! To top it off, it’s a beautiful blend of colors.
Kiki says
Hi there! I was on the lookout for an easy pasta salad for tomorrow’s picnic and your recipe is just the ticket! I think I have most of the ingredients in the fridge already! Can’t wait to start cooking!
Have a great weekend!
Kiki
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
Wow…love the colours and flavours in this salad. Pasta salads are a staple during the summer grilling season. Perfect to picnics and entertaining….and if I am lucky, leftovers for lunch too.
Kate says
Your pasta salad is so colorful! I love it!