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!
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 560kcal
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