Best Southwest Tortellini Pasta Salad With Creamy Salsa Dressing Recipes

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.)

SOUTHWEST TORTELLINI SALAD WITH CREAMY SALSA DRESSING RECIPE - (4.4/5)

Steps:

• Creamy Salsa Dressing: Add all of the Creamy Salsa Dressing ingredients to a blender or food processor and "chop" then puree until smooth, scraping sides down as needed. Add milk, a tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency. Tortellini Salad: Add tortellini, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, black beans and red onion to a large bowl. Toss to combine with enough Creamy Salsa Dressing to coat (about 2/3 of dressing) and reserve remaining dressing. Chill tossed salad (covered) and reserved dressing separately in the refrigerator for 2 hours (time permitting.). (Tortellini will soak up much of the dressing as it chills). When ready to serve, toss salad with avocado, bacon, sunflower seeds and cheese and desired amount of remaining dressing so its nice and creamy. Taste and add season with salt and pepper if desired. Enjoy! NOTES *I love the tortellini in the refrigerated section of Costco **May want to increase sugar if using Greek yogurt

CREAMY TORTELLINI SALAD WITH CHICKEN, BACON, AND RANCH DRESSING

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in tortellini and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini float to the top and the filling is hot, about 3 minutes. Run tortellini under cold water and drain. Store in the refrigerator until chilled, at least 30 minutes.
• Stir ranch dressing and milk together in a large bowl. Add chilled pasta, cooked chicken, mozzarella, bacon, green onions, and parsley.
• Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

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.