4.7 from 9 votes
Creamy Southwest Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
This recipe for refreshing and delicious make ahead Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad has lots of Southwest flair like black beans, corn, and bold spices.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
23 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 322 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Salad , Appetizer
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 pound small pasta we used fusilli
- 15 ounce black beans drained
- 1 pint Grape or Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1 cup frozen corn thawed
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 3 ounce sliced black olives drained
- 1 Jalapeño seeded and diced (optional)
For the Dressing –
- 1 cup thick creamy ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- 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.)
Cup of Yum
Notes
- It’s ok the make the dressing a little extra salty so it seasons all the ingredients in the pasta salad well. If you are worried about over-salting, you can add just a little, and add more later.
- It’s ok the make the dressing a little extra salty so it seasons all the ingredients in the pasta salad well. If you are worried about over-salting, you can add just a little, and add more later.
- This recipe is excellent to make ahead! Homemade Southwest Pasta Salad with ranch dressing will keep well for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1cup
Calories
322kcal
(16%)
Carbohydrates
45g
(15%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
12g
(18%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Cholesterol
7mg
(2%)
Sodium
339mg
(14%)
Potassium
394mg
(11%)
Fiber
6g
(24%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
626IU
(13%)
Vitamin C
26mg
(29%)
Calcium
36mg
(4%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 322
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 322kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 7mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 339mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 394mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 626IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 26mg | 29% |
| Calcium | 36mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.