Description

This Southwest Pasta Salad is a flavorful and colorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. It combines rotini pasta with black beans, corn, bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, fresh cilantro, grilled chicken, and a creamy chipotle ranch dressing for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta (or other medium-sized noodle)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn, drained
1 cup bell pepper, diced
1 cup red onion, diced
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
2 cups grilled chicken, chopped

Dressing

1 cup chipotle ranch dressing

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Instructions

Cook pasta: Cook your noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Allow to drip dry to cool the pasta and stop cooking.
Prepare beans and corn: Drain your black beans and corn, then rinse both under cold water to reduce starchiness and sodium.
Chop vegetables: Cut up your bell pepper, red onion, and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces for a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
Chop cilantro: Finely chop the fresh cilantro to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the salad.
Chop chicken: Chop your grilled chicken into small pieces to make it easy to mix and eat.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the pasta, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and chicken ensuring even distribution.
Add dressing: Stir in the chipotle ranch dressing until everything is evenly coated, creating a creamy and spicy flavor.
Chill before serving: Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to a few hours. This helps the flavors meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

Use rotini or any medium-sized pasta that holds dressing well.
Can be made vegetarian by omitting grilled chicken or substituting with grilled tofu.
Chipotle ranch dressing adds a smoky, spicy kick—adjust amount based on heat preference.
Salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
For added crunch, sprinkle with tortilla strips or chopped nuts before serving.