This Easy Mexican Pasta Salad is bright and tasty! It combines colorful veggies like tomatoes and peppers with pasta and a zesty dressing that will tickle your taste buds.
You can serve it at parties or enjoy it as a simple weeknight dish. I love making a big bowl and saving the leftovers for lunch—the flavors only get better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This shape holds onto the dressing well, making each bite full of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, feel free to swap it with penne or fusilli for a similar texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a sweet burst to your salad. If you can’t find them, any small tomato like grape tomatoes works. You could even use diced regular tomatoes; just make sure to remove some seeds to avoid excess moisture.
Corn Kernels: Grilled corn gives a smoky flavor that’s amazing! If fresh corn isn’t available, canned or frozen corn is an easy replacement; just make sure to drain and rinse if canned.
Black Beans: They’re packed with protein and fiber! If you’re avoiding beans, try chopped cooked chicken or chickpeas for a different twist.
Avocado: Adds creamy richness. If avocados are out of season, you can leave them out or substitute with diced mango for a different kind of sweetness.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Is Perfectly Mixed?
Tossing your pasta salad well can elevate your dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the pasta is cooled before mixing. This helps prevent mushiness!
- Combine all vegetables and pasta before adding the dressing to ensure a good blend.
- When adding the dressing, pour it over the top and use a large spoon or tongs to gently fold the ingredients together. Avoid smashing the avocado!
Giving it time to chill helps the flavors develop too—so it’s best to let it sit for at least 30 minutes before enjoying it!
Easy Mexican Pasta Salad with Fresh Flavors
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or grilled for extra flavor)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes to get this delicious dish ready for serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Corn:
If you’re using fresh corn, grill or sauté the corn kernels in a pan until they’re slightly charred and flavorful. Allow them to cool after cooking.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, diced bell pepper, avocado, cucumber, and finely chopped red onion.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the creamy dressing.
6. Add the Final Touches:
Fold in the chopped cilantro carefully to keep the avocado intact, and then sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the top for added flavor.
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can serve it cold or at room temperature, making it a perfect dish for parties or casual meals!
Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Easy Mexican Pasta Salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works perfectly in this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as they may vary from regular pasta.
How Can I Keep My Avocado From Browning?
To prevent browning, toss the diced avocado with a little lime juice right before adding it to the salad. You can also add it just before serving to maintain its vibrant color.
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance! Just keep the dressing separate and mix it in right before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crunchy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the avocado might brown slightly, but it will still taste delicious!
