Best Layered Southwestern Pasta Salad Recipes

7-LAYER PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (about 2 minutes less than the label directs), adding the broccoli during the last 4 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli and rinse under cool water; shake off the excess. Remove the broccoli and pat dry.
• Whisk the mayonnaise, buttermilk, 1/4 cup chives, the parsley, half of the lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Toss the pasta and a few tablespoons of the dressing in a medium bowl.
• Assemble the salad: Toss the avocados with the remaining lime juice in a large glass serving bowl and season with salt; arrange in an even layer. Top with layers of the ham, broccoli, pasta, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. Drizzle some of the remaining dressing on top and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon chives, or cover and refrigerate the salad and dressing separately up to 6 hours. (Bring to room temperature before serving.)

SOUTHWEST LAYERED SALAD

Steps:

• Mix dressing mix, buttermilk, yogurt, and taco seasoning mix together in a mixing bowl.
• Line a large serving bowl with the torn lettuce.
• Mix roasted peppers, black beans, corn, onion, and green chiles together in a bowl. Spread mixture over the lettuce. Top with tomatoes; sprinkle with Cheddar cheese. Arrange avocado slices in an overlapping circle. Garnish with cilantro. Serve with dressing on the side.

CREAMY SOUTHWEST RANCH PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Place a large pot of salted water over high heat. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile chop all necessary ingredients.
• Set out a large salad bowl. Add in the cooked pasta, black beans, tomatoes, corn, chopped bell pepper, onion, cilantro, olives, and jalapeno.
• In a separate bowl (or measuring pitcher) combine the ranch dressing, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Mix well. Then taste, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Mix the dressing into the pasta salad and gently stir until well coated.
• Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. (Allowing the pasta salad ingredients to rest with the dressing longer creates a better overall flavor.)

SOUTHWESTERN LAYERED SALAD

Steps:

• Place the eggs in a large pot and fill with cold water; bring to a boil. Immediately remove from the heat and cover the pot for 10 minutes. Drain and then submerge the eggs in cold water. Peel, slice and set aside.
• Lay the bacon on a paper-towel-lined microwave-safe plate. Cover with another paper towel. Microwave on high for 4 to 5 minutes. Crumble or cut the bacon into small pieces.
• To make the dressing, whisk the yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice and cayenne together.
• Line the bottom of four serving bowls with the lettuce. Layer the red pepper rings, crumbled bacon, black beans, sliced egg and corn in each bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salads and sprinkle the cheese on top. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk the first 8 ingredients until blended. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water., In a large bowl, mix pasta, corn, beans, tomatoes, olives, peppers, onion and 1/4 cup cilantro. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving., Just before serving, top with avocado and the remaining cilantro.