Best Southwest Layered Pasta Salad Recipes

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD

Southwestern Pasta Salad image

I created this southwestern pasta salad for a friend who owns a catering business. I was told it was a hit at her events and it's now among the most-requested dishes. -Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon salsa
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package (16 ounces) uncooked spiral or cavatappi pasta
1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 small green pepper, finely chopped
1 small sweet red pepper, finely chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, divided
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and sliced

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 203 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 191mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

LAYERED SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD

Layered Southwestern Pasta Salad image

This always goes over very well when I've taken this to pot-lucks. I use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream, so it makes a healthy, and flavorful dish. In a clear straight-sided bowl, this makes a nice colorful presentation.

Provided by Beth A.

Categories Low Cholesterol

Time 20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

8 ounces medium pasta shells, uncooked
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin
salt, to taste
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (11 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
3/4 cup green onion, sliced
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can black olives, drained and sliced

Steps:

Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold water. Drain again.
Toss with oil and sprinkle with cumin; salt to taste.
Layer pasta, beans, corn, bell pepper, green onion and olives in a 2 1/2 to 3 quart straight sided bowl.
In a small bowl combine mayo, sour cream and salsa; mix well. Spread evenly over top of pasta, sealing to edge of bowl. Sprinkle with cilantro.
(Best if refrigerated several hours, or overnight before serving.).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 475.2, Fat 18.1, SaturatedFat 4.6, Cholesterol 16.1, Sodium 621.5, Carbohydrate 67.3, Fiber 9.9, Sugar 5.7, Protein 14.4

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD

Southwestern Pasta Salad image

Really popular at potlucks--make a double batch! Very easy and very delicious. Serve on a bed of lettuce for a nice touch.

Provided by Lisa Provost

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

½ (16 ounce) package rotini pasta
⅓ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chili powder, or to taste
2 teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 ½ cups whole kernel corn
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup diced green bell pepper
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup chopped roma (plum) tomatoes

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
In a large bowl combine oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and garlic. Stir in pasta and set aside to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
Stir in corn, beans, green pepper, red pepper and 1/2 of the cilantro leaves. Spoon onto a platter and garnish with tomatoes and remaining cilantro. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 216.6 calories, Carbohydrate 27.2 g, Fat 10.3 g, Fiber 6.1 g, Protein 6.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 468.3 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

SOUTHWEST LAYERED PASTA SALAD

Southwest Layered Pasta Salad image

After the popularity of my Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (Thank you, JAP chefs!), I thought I'd develop another salad dish, this time with a Southwestern tang. As always, choose the ingredients your family loves and realize that the amounts are always your choice. I'm just going to list what I do and give you some more options. ...

Provided by Fran Miller

Categories Chicken Salads

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

some pasta; cooked, rinsed in cool water, drained (wagon wheel pasta is a nice touch) 1/2 pound of uncooked pasta makes enough for 4-6 servings
some salad dressing (ranch or chipotle ranch are my favorites)
some shredded or chopped lettuce
some tomato chunks
some sliced black olives
some chopped onion
some chopped peppers (green, jalapeno, etc...)
some cooked corn, drained & cooled
some black beans; cooked, rinsed in cool water, & drained
some shredded or small chunks of cheese (pepper jack, colby jack, cheddar, etc...)
some crumbled fritos
OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER...
some chicken strips or chunks, seasoned with southwestern spices
some salsa
some sour cream
some crumbled bacon or bacon bits
some ranch-flavored croutons, instead of crumbled fritos

Steps:

1. While pasta is cooking, prepare your chopped vegetables. If using canned corn or black beans, just rinse & drain well. Cover & refrigerate until ready to assemble the salad.
2. Mix the drained & cooled pasta with some of the salad dressing. Cover and refrigerate if you are not ready to eat.
3. When it's time for dinner, layer the pasta, then the vegetables, in a large pasta bowl or individual salad plates.
4. Top with crumbled Fritos and shredded cheese.
5. Decisions, decisions... Will you top with more salad dressing or possibly salsa & sour cream?
6. Whatever you decide, enjoy!