Description
Southwestern Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with the refreshing crunch of fresh vegetables and the smoky kick of chipotle ranch dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or casual dinners, this salad is not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients—like grilled chicken, black beans, and bell peppers—you can create a wholesome meal that pleases crowds and satisfies cravings. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully when chilled. Enjoy this delightful dish as a main course or side at your next gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can corn
- 1 cup bell pepper
- 1 cup red onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup cilantro
- 2 cups grilled chicken
- 1 cup chipotle ranch dressing
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool.
- While the pasta cooks, drain and rinse black beans and corn. Chop bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
- Chop grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and chicken.
- Stir in chipotle ranch dressing until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg