If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing dish to bring to your next barbecue or family party, look no further than this Southwest Pasta Salad. It’s a delightful combination of fresh veggies, hearty gluten-free pasta, and zesty seasoning that will leave everyone asking for seconds. The best part? It comes together in a snap, making it the perfect addition to any gathering.
This salad is bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors, thanks to a mix of black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers, black olives, and cilantro. The combination of these ingredients not only creates a beautiful presentation but also ensures each bite is packed with a variety of textures and tastes. The juicy tomatoes, crunchy peppers, and creamy black beans come together perfectly to create a fresh and satisfying dish that everyone will love.
One of the things that makes this Southwest Pasta Salad so convenient is the use of a taco seasoning pack. It’s a quick and easy way to infuse the salad with all the flavors you love from your favorite Southwest dishes. If you prefer to customize your seasoning, you can easily mix your own blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. But when you’re in a hurry, a pre-made taco seasoning packet is a lifesaver!
I love using my favorite kitchen tools to make this recipe even easier. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these supplies are must-haves for your kitchen:
- Jovial Whole Grain Brown Rice Pasta Variety Pack for all your gluten-free pasta needs.
- WÜSTHOF Gourmet 16-Piece Knife Block Set for precise chopping.
- Pyrex Simply Store 12-Pack Mixed Sized Glass Food Storage Set to keep your ingredients fresh and organized.
- Anolon Advanced Home Hard Anodized Nonstick Pots and Pans for cooking pasta perfectly every time.
- Kitchen Colander Bowl Combo Strainer for easy draining and rinsing.
- American Metalcraft 16″ Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl for mixing all your ingredients together seamlessly.
- Simply Organic Mild Taco Seasoning for that perfect Southwest flavor.
Southwest Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz. Jovial Gluten-Free Brown Rice Farfalle
Veggies & Mix-Ins
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn fresh or thawed if frozen
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup sweet peppers chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives
- 1/4 cup shallots or red onions
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
Sauce
- 1 packet taco seasonings 1 oz.
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 half juice from lime
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the Jovial Gluten-Free Brown Rice Farfalle according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it firm.
- Prep the Veggies: While the pasta cools, chop the sweet peppers, black olives, shallots or red onions, and cilantro. Rinse and prepare the black beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the taco seasoning, extra virgin olive oil, and lime juice. Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with all the veggies and mix-ins. Pour the sauce over the top and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy this vibrant, zesty dish!
Notes
For added heat, mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled veggies or as a side to your favorite summer dishes.
I hope you give this Southwest Pasta Salad a try at your next gathering! It’s a fresh, delicious option that’s sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!
