Introduction in Alex Guarnaschelli’s Style:
Let’s talk about pasta salad—but with a Southwestern twist. This isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill side dish. No, this Southwest Pasta Salad is packed with smoky, spicy flavors, crisp veggies, and a creamy chipotle dressing that ties it all together.
It’s loaded with corn, black beans, bell peppers, and avocado, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. And then there’s the dressing—a smoky, tangy, creamy chipotle sauce that gives every bite a bold kick.
Make this for BBQs, potlucks, meal prep, or whenever you need a pasta salad that stands out—because this one? It’s unforgettable.
Recipe Resume in Todd Wilbur’s Style:
This Southwest Pasta Salad with Creamy Chipotle Dressing takes pasta salad to a whole new level. It’s loaded with tender pasta, black beans, crunchy bell peppers, sweet corn, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a zesty chipotle-lime dressing.
The secret? A blend of smoky chipotle peppers, lime juice, and sour cream, giving the salad a bold, creamy kick that makes every bite seriously addictive.
Exciting Story:
I’ll never forget the first time I made this Southwest Pasta Salad. I was planning a summer cookout and wanted something more exciting than the usual pasta salad. I had some chipotle peppers, fresh veggies, and a little lime juice sitting in my fridge, and I thought—why not?
One taste, and I knew I had a winner. The smoky chipotle, the crisp corn, the creamy avocado—it was pasta salad on another level. Now, it’s a potluck staple, and it disappears every time!
Why You’ll Love This Southwest Pasta Salad
🌽🌶️ Creamy, Smoky & Full of Flavor!
✔ Packed with bold, fresh ingredients!
✔ Creamy chipotle dressing = next-level flavor.
✔ Perfect for BBQs, meal prep & potlucks!
✔ Super customizable—add chicken, shrimp, or more veggies!
✔ Easily made dairy-free or gluten-free!
Cuisine: Southwest / Tex-Mex
Tips for the Best Southwest Pasta Salad
✔ Rinse the pasta in cold water – This stops cooking and keeps it from getting mushy.
✔ Chill before serving – It allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
✔ Want it spicier? – Add extra adobo sauce or diced jalapeños!
✔ Make it protein-packed – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
✔ Meal prep it! – This pasta salad stays fresh for up to 3 days.
Substitutions and Variations
🔹 No sour cream? – Swap for Greek yogurt or a dairy-free version.
🔹 Gluten-Free? – Use chickpea pasta or gluten-free pasta.
🔹 More crunch? – Add toasted pepitas or crushed tortilla chips!
🔹 Make it extra creamy! – Blend an extra avocado into the dressing.
Make a Healthier Version
✅ Use whole wheat pasta – Adds fiber & nutrients.
✅ Swap mayo for Greek yogurt – Cuts fat while keeping it creamy.
✅ Reduce sodium – Use fresh corn & low-sodium black beans.
✅ Add extra veggies – Toss in chopped spinach, cucumbers, or zucchini.
Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style:
And there you have it—a bold, creamy, flavor-packed Southwest Pasta Salad that’s anything but boring! With smoky chipotle dressing, crisp veggies, and tender pasta, this dish is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or just a fresh, satisfying meal.
Make it today and get ready for everyone to ask for the recipe!
Relevant Categories:
- Summer BBQ Sides
- Healthy Tex-Mex Recipes
- Quick & Easy Meal Prep
- Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Dishes
Tags:
- Best Southwest Pasta Salad Recipe
- Creamy Chipotle Dressing Pasta Salad
- Tex-Mex Pasta Salad with Black Beans & Corn
- Easy Make-Ahead Pasta Salads
🌽🔥 Who’s ready to dig into this creamy, smoky pasta salad? Let me know how yours turns out! ✨
Print
Southwest Pasta Salad with Creamy Chipotle Dressing
Description
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne works best!)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ yellow bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
For the Creamy Chipotle Dressing:
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option!)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne works best!)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ yellow bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
For the Creamy Chipotle Dressing:
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option!)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.
Step 3: Make the Chipotle Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayo, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt.
Step 4: Assemble & Toss
- Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the veggies.
- Pour the creamy chipotle dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated.
Step 5: Chill & Serve!
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (for best flavor!).
- Serve chilled, garnished with extra cilantro & a squeeze of lime!
