Southwest Pasta Salad
Warm weather + pasta salad = a match made in heaven! This pasta salad brings all those bold southwest flavors to life in a vibrant way, packed with veggies, beans, and cheese for a texture-filled dish everyone will be asking you for after your next gathering. You’re welcome 😉
If you make this recipe or have any questions, leave a comment below—I love hearing from you all!
Southwest flavors, inspired by Mexican cuisine, are known for being vibrant and full of depth thanks to the perfect blend of spices and seasonings in every bite. This salad is no different, featuring a homemade southwest cilantro vinaigrette that shines all on its own—but it truly comes to life when paired with the sweet corn, creamy black beans, salty cotija cheese, earthy dried cilantro, and crisp bell peppers, all tossed with tender chewy pasta. It’s a combination that simply just works.
I created this recipe inspired by my family’s love for southwest flavors and fresh, ingredient-driven meals. We love making pasta salads in the spring, summer, and early fall—alongside other fresh dishes that pair perfectly with the amazing warm weather. We all know - there’s nothing better than sharing a delicious meal with the people you love, and I hope this pasta salad brings that same joy to your table.
What to Serve It With
Turkey burgers
Chipotle chicken burgers
Grilled chicken, steak, or fish
Quesadillas
Tacos (perfect for a taco bar)
Southwest grilled cheese
And more!
Health Notes For This Pasta Salad
🌽 Veggie Loaded + Fiber: the veggies and beans are the secret ingredient to any recipe with all their vitamins, minerals, and plant-based fiber that supports digestion while helping you feel energized and fuller longer. Plus, their natural water content and fiber help your body better process this more carbohydrate-rich meal/side.
🫘 Plant-Based Protein: black beans add a boost of plant-based protein, helping make this pasta salad more satisfying and balanced while supporting muscle recovery and keeping you full.
⚖️ Balanced Meal: with carbs from pasta, fiber and protein from beans, and healthy fats from the vinaigrette, this dish creates a well-rounded, satisfying meal/side that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.
🫒 Heart-Healthy Fats: when paired with the homemade southwest cilantro vinaigrette, you’re getting nourishing fats from olive oil that support heart health and help keep you full and satisfied.
🌈 Vitamin-Rich Ingredients: bell peppers and corn bring in key nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants, adding both immune support and vibrant color to the dish.
🧀 Flavor + Calcium Boost: cotija cheese adds a salty, tangy flavor while also providing calcium and a small boost of protein in each bite.
🌿 Digestive Support: fiber, healthy fats, and whole ingredients all work together to support digestion and steady energy levels way after taking your last of this pasta salad.
🥗 Great for Meal Prep: this is the kind of dish that holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for easy, nourishing meals throughout the week.
Ingredients To Use & I Recommend
-1 batch homemade Southwest Cilantro Vinaigrette (link recipe)
Or 2 cups store bought mexican dressing
How To Make This Mexican Style Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (or your preferred texture). Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to drain.
Step 2: Prep the ingredients
While the pasta is cooling, drain and rinse the black beans, cook and remove the corn from the cob, and dice the bell pepper into small pieces.
Step 3: Assemble the salad
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled/ drained pasta, black beans, corn, bell pepper, dried (or fresh) cilantro, and cotija cheese.
Step 4: Add the dressing
Pour the Southwest Cilantro Vinaigrette (or store-bought dressing) over the salad. Toss until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a bit before serving for even more flavor and cold pasta salad vibes. Top with extra cotija cheese if desired and enjoy!
