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4.7 from 75 votes

Southwest Pasta Salad

This Southwest Pasta Salad is great for potlucks, parties, BBQ's, and easy meals! It is a summer favorite!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 10
Calories: 244 kcal
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the pasta salad:
  • 8 oz small pasta
  • 1 small red onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 cups grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, seeds removed and chopped
  • 1 ear fresh corn, kernels removed
  • 2.25 ounces sliced black olives, drained
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 large avocado, pit removed and chopped
  • 1/3 cup cotija cheese
For the dressing:
  • 1/2 cup olive oil, can use avocado oil
  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice, about 4 limes
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse well to cool.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, combine the onion, tomatoes, pepper, corn, and olives in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the oil, lime juice, honey, garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the vegetables, and pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Stir until all of the ingredients are well coated. Sprinkle cilantro over the pasta and stir again. Cover with a lid and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Add avocado and cheese right before serving and gently stir.

Notes

  • This salad will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For vegan, leave out the cheese and for gluten-free use gluten-free pasta.
  • This salad will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For vegan, leave out the cheese and for gluten-free use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition Information

Calories 244kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 4mg (1%) Sodium 301mg (13%) Potassium 308mg (9%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 520IU (10%) Vitamin C 33.6mg (37%) Calcium 42mg (4%) Iron 0.7mg (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 244

% Daily Value*

Calories 244kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 4mg 1%
Sodium 301mg 13%
Potassium 308mg 7%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 520IU 10%
Vitamin C 33.6mg 37%
Calcium 42mg 4%
Iron 0.7mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.