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
- â…” cup ranch dressing (divided)
- â…” 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, â…“ cup ranch dressing, â…“ 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 â…“ cup ranch dressing, â…“ 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.
