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Black bowl filled with Southwest Pasta Salad on a wooden table from overhead.
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5 from 1 vote

Southwest Pasta Salad

This Southwest Pasta Salad is bold, creamy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Made with bowtie pasta, black beans, corn, bacon, fresh veggies, and a chili-lime dressing, it’s an easy make-ahead dish that’s fresh, hearty, and full of Southwest flavor!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Chilling Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Pasta, Salad
Keyword: Southwest Pasta Salad
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 560kcal
Author: Amanda Rettke--iamhomesteader.com

Ingredients

Pasta & Mix-Ins

  • 12 ounces bowtie pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained, rinsed
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium orange or yellow bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 medium jalapeño, seeded, finely diced
  • 6 strips bacon, cooked, crumbled
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1 large avocado, diced, added just before serving

Southwest Chili-Lime Dressing

  • 1 cup (220 g) mayonnaise
  • 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice, from 4 to 5 limes
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking, then toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained corn, black beans, diced bell peppers, cilantro, jalapeño, chopped bacon, and Cotija cheese. Toss gently to mix everything evenly. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. If adding avocado, fold it in gently now or just before serving to keep it fresh.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.
  • Serve cold or at room temperature. Garnish with extra cilantro, Cotija, or a lime wedge if you like.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 560kcal