Description
A refreshing and colorful Mexican Pasta Salad featuring fusilli pasta, black beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and a zesty blend of ranch dressing and salsa. Perfect as a light meal or side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and ideal for gatherings or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz. fusilli pasta (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup canned corn (drained)
- 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup red bell pepper (diced)
- ½ cup red onion (finely diced)
- 2 cups spinach leaves (coarsely chopped)
- ½ bunch cilantro (finely chopped)
- Green onions (optional)
Dressing & Seasoning
- ⅔ cup ranch dressing (divided)
- ⅔ cup salsa (mild or medium, divided)
- 1 ¼ tsp. salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp. pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine cooked and cooled fusilli pasta with drained corn, rinsed black beans, diced red bell pepper, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, ⅓ cup ranch dressing, ⅓ cup salsa, salt, and pepper. Toss everything thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly mixed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to meld the flavors.
- Add spinach and finish dressing: Just before serving, add the remaining ⅓ cup ranch dressing, ⅓ cup salsa, and the coarsely chopped spinach leaves to the chilled pasta salad. Mix well to coat the spinach and incorporate the dressing uniformly throughout the salad.
- Serve: Serve the pasta salad cold, garnished with additional cilantro and green onions if desired. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Mexican pasta salad as a refreshing meal or side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute fusilli pasta with any short pasta of your choice, such as rotini or penne.
- For a spicier kick, use medium or hot salsa depending on your preference.
- Make sure to rinse canned black beans to reduce sodium content and improve flavor.
- This pasta salad is best served chilled; refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to blend well.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- To add extra protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or shrimp if not following a vegetarian diet.
