Southwest Ranch Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Additional Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
746 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
American
Southwest Ranch Pasta Salad
Description
Southwest Ranch Pasta Salad starts with al dente rigatoni pasta mixed with black beans, corn, grape tomatoes, jalapeños, chopped bell peppers, red onion, black olives, cilantro, and shredded Mexican cheese. The salad is dressed with a creamy ranch blend incorporating sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and seasoning. Chilling the salad for at least an hour allows flavors to marry and the pasta to absorb some dressing.
The texture combines tender pasta with firm vegetables and beans, while the dressing brings a cool, tangy base layered with southwest-inspired spices for subtle heat and earthiness. Fresh cilantro adds a herbaceous brightness, and the cheese adds mild richness. This salad balances hearty components like pasta and beans with refreshing produce and zesty dressing.
This dish can serve as a side for grilled meats or stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian option. Topped with extra cheese and cilantro when served, it holds well refrigerated, making it suitable for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep. The combination of creamy dressing and fresh ingredients offers a flavorful and colorful addition to a meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta macaroni or shell pasta
- 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed, canned
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
- 15 ounces sweet corn drained and rinsed, canned
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper seeded and chopped, or green bell pepper
- 1 red onion chopped, small
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
- 1 cup black olives drained and sliced
- 2 jalapeños seeded and diced
- 1 cup Mexican cheese shredded
Dressing:
- 1 cup ranch dressing creamy
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and once boiling cook pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente. Then drain and set aside to cool.
- Meanwhile, prepare the rest of the ingredients for the salad and add them to a large bowl.
- In another bowl combine the dressing ingredients, mix, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooled pasta and the dressing to the salad bowl and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
- When serving garnish with more shredded Mexican cheese and fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 746 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 746kcal | 37% |
| Carbohydrates | 96g | 32% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12g | 71% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 1127mg | 47% |
| Potassium | 953mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 12g | 48% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 2480IU | 50% |
| Vitamin C | 75mg | 83% |
| Calcium | 233mg | 23% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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