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Southwest Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

4.6 from 120 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Southwest Corn Salad featuring tricolor pasta, black beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and a zesty chili-spiced dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 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

Dressing

  • 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

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked tricolor pasta, drained corn, rinsed black beans, chopped tomato, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and chopped green chiles until evenly distributed.
  2. Prepare Dressing: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add olive oil, cider vinegar, sugar, chili powder, salt, and ground cumin. Secure the lid and shake well until the dressing is thoroughly combined and slightly emulsified.
  3. Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every component is coated with the flavorful dressing.
  4. Chill: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill before serving.

Notes

  • For best texture, ensure pasta is cooked al dente and well drained before mixing.
  • Adjust chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
  • This salad can be made up to a day ahead and kept refrigerated.
  • Serve chilled for a refreshing taste, perfect for warm weather meals.
  • Try adding chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest.

Keywords: Southwest Corn Salad, pasta salad, black beans, corn salad, southwestern recipe, cold salad, chili powder dressing