Creamy Southwest Pasta Salad
A quick and easy creamy southwest pasta salad with black beans and corn, perfect for a refreshing lunch or potluck. This recipe uses just five main ingredients and delivers a satisfying blend of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Southwest American
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (about 225 grams) rotini or small shell pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (150 grams) frozen sweet corn, thawed
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1 tablespoon southwest seasoning blend (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of rotini or small shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to drain fully.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and 1 tablespoon southwest seasoning blend. Add salt and pepper to taste, starting with ½ teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. If the dressing feels too thick, add a teaspoon of water to loosen it.
- Add the drained pasta, 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans (rinsed and drained), and 1 cup (150 grams) thawed sweet corn to the bowl with dressing. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the beans and corn are well distributed.
- Taste the salad and adjust flavors by adding more lime juice or southwest seasoning if desired. Optionally, stir in diced red bell pepper or chopped cilantro for extra texture and freshness.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh cilantro or a lime wedge if desired.
Notes
Rinse cooked pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent stickiness. Rinse black beans to reduce sodium and canned flavor. Whisk dressing well before mixing with pasta to avoid lumps. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Optional add-ins include diced jalapeño for spice, shredded chicken or shrimp for protein, and avocado for creaminess. Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free sour cream alternatives for dietary needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (250 gra
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 10
Keywords: pasta salad, southwest, black beans, corn, creamy, easy lunch, potluck, vegetarian, gluten-free option