Dessert

Southwest Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Southwest Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked tricolor spiral pasta; 1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained; 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 cup chopped green pepper; 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Bymia larkspur January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

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Introduction

This Southwest Corn Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings or a quick side. Combining colorful pasta, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing, it offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

A green bowl filled with tri-color spiral pasta mixed with black beans, bright yellow corn, and diced red and green bell peppers. The pasta is light cream, orange, and green in color, evenly mixed with the vegetables, creating a colorful and fresh appearance. The top is garnished with small green herb leaves sprinkled on the dish. A silver spoon is resting inside the bowl, partially scooping the salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, next to a striped cloth napkin with green and orange stripes and a small white bowl filled with chopped green herbs nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups cooked tricolor spiral pasta
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, black beans, chopped tomato, onion, green pepper, and chopped green chiles.
Step 2: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add olive oil, cider vinegar, sugar, chili powder, salt, and ground cumin. Shake well until the dressing is thoroughly mixed.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.

Tips & Variations

For extra freshness, add chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
Use fresh corn kernels instead of canned for a sweeter, crunchier texture when in season.
Add diced avocado just before serving to introduce creaminess to the salad.
If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toss gently before serving again. It is best served chilled, but you can bring it to room temperature for about 15 minutes if preferred. Avoid adding avocado or other ingredients that brown if planning to store.

How to Serve

A round white bowl filled with colorful spiral pasta that has three colors – white, orange, and green – mixed with black beans, bright yellow corn, red diced tomatoes, and chopped green bell peppers, all topped with small bits of fresh green herbs. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl, resting on the pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth napkin in green, white, and orange folded underneath one side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, the salad benefits from at least an hour of refrigeration to allow the flavors to combine. It can be made up to a day in advance for convenience.