Zesty Southwestern Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Zesty Southwestern Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces small shell pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups frozen corn; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 red onion, chopped; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped; 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

Servings: persons

8 ounces small shell pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1
Prepare pasta according to package instructions.
2
When making pasta salad, I like to cook my pasta a minute or two less than recommended so it stays firmer in the dressing, and holds up better against breaking apart when tossing.
3
Drain and rinse under cold water.
4
In a large bowl whisk together oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and garlic.
5
Gently stir in pasta and set aside.
6
Gently stir in corn, beans, green pepper, red pepper, onion, tomatoes and 1/2 of the cilantro leaves.
7
Garnish with the remaining cilantro.
8
Cover and chill at least 2 hours.

444

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 8 ounces small shell pasta, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons chili powder, and more.

Yes, Zesty Southwestern Pasta Salad falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Zesty Southwestern Pasta Salad

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions