Southwest Pasta Salad with Black Beans
This isn’t your sad, lifeless pasta salad drowning in mayo. This is bold, spicy, and actually worth eating. Black beans, sweet corn, and juicy tomatoes bring serious texture, while a zesty lime dressing kicks things up. Toss in some bell peppers, cilantro, and just the right amount of heat, and suddenly, pasta salad isn’t boring anymore. It’s fresh, satisfying, and packed with protein—so yes, you can pretend it’s healthy. Serve it at a barbecue, meal prep it for the week, or just eat it straight from the bowl like the champion you are.
Southwest Pasta Salad with Black Beans
A vibrant, zesty pasta salad loaded with black beans, veggies, and a bold Southwest-style dressing.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta rotini or bowtie works great
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained (the protein hero)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (sweet and juicy)
- 1 cup bell peppers diced (red, yellow, or both)
- ¾ cup corn fresh, canned, or frozen
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped (for a little bite)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped (unless you’re a cilantro hater)
- ¼ cup feta cheese crumbled (optional but delicious)
- ½ cup olive oil the base of all great dressings
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice for that perfect tang
- 1 tsp cumin adds smoky depth
- 1 tsp chili powder for a little heat
- ½ tsp garlic powder because garlic makes everything better
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper don’t skip it
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Chop tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, and cilantro while pasta cools.
- Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Combine pasta, black beans, tomatoes, corn, bell peppers, onion, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour dressing over everything and toss until well coated.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese (if using), chill for 15 minutes, and serve.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Calcium: 8%
- Iron: 15%
- Potassium: 12%
Additional Notes & Tips
- Add diced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Swap feta for cotija cheese if you’re feeling fancy.
- Want more spice? Throw in some diced jalapeño.
- Leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to three days.
- Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal.
