Southwest Pasta Salad

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4 of 5 (211)

Nutritional Info

Servings Per Recipe: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 267.8

Total Fat: 3.3 g
Cholesterol: 3.0 mg
Sodium: 546.5 mg
Total Carbs: 45.6 g
Dietary Fiber: 7.0 g
Protein: 14.2 g

View full nutritional breakdown of Southwest Pasta Salad calories by ingredient

Introduction

Quick and nutritious, this zesty take on pasta salad is a family favorite. Garnish with fresh herbs and black olives. Quick and nutritious, this zesty take on pasta salad is a family favorite. Garnish with fresh herbs and black olives.

Minutes to Prepare: 20

Minutes to Cook: 15

Number of Servings: 8

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) box small whole-wheat pasta

1 (15-ounce) can corn

1 (15-ounce) can black beans

1 cup salsa (any variety)

1 cup shredded, low fat cheddar cheese

1 cup diced green pepper (bell pepper)

Optional: add garlic powder, black pepper, or cayenne pepper to taste (in any combination)

Tips

Tomatoes are a great addition to this recipe.

Directions

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse and put into large bowl.

Drain and reserve the liquids from the canned corn and black beans.

Combine all ingredients with the cooked pasta in a large bowl and mix well. Add small amounts of the reserved canned liquids if desired.

Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate. Serve cool or at room temperature. Serves 8 as main course, or up to 16 as side dish.

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Member Ratings For This Recipe

KERRYANN67

Incredible!

53 of 53 people found this review helpful

I made this for a fourth of july party this weekend. Instead of green peppers, I added a can of mild green chilis. I also added a can of diced tomatoes because when making it before, it seemed just a little dry. This combo was PERFECT and everyone raved about this salad! - 7/6/09
SUNSETINAZ

Very Good

48 of 51 people found this review helpful

I'd hold the cheddar cheese and add a dressing made of fresh lime juice, a scant bit of olive oil, a dash of cayenne, thinky sliced/chopped jelapeno, and a green onion sliced thin. - 5/20/09
DULCINEA54935

Very Good

32 of 32 people found this review helpful

I used penne pasta. And actually added greens (spinach) which increased the portion size, added some folate and tasted really good. - 2/19/08
AIMINGFORPEACE

Very Good

23 of 24 people found this review helpful

Very good - we used pepperjack cheese instead of the lowfat cheddar and a bit of extra lime juice. People who find recipes like this bland, maybe change your salsa. I've found when a recipe calls for a good quantity of salsa, it pays to pay a little extra for a really good flavorful brand. - 7/31/08
JULESART

Incredible!

18 of 19 people found this review helpful

I love this salad! I tweeked it also... diced tomatoes and green chiles and some lime juice ! - 7/7/09
HEATHER794

Good

14 of 17 people found this review helpful

Godo but I added some cilantro and jalapeno peppers. - 4/20/09
CYNWOMAN

Very Good

14 of 15 people found this review helpful

I made this with gluten free pasta. For dinner I added chicken. I think it needs a bit of spice and more veggies - I added broccoli. - 2/1/09
JENNIFERATICS

Very Good

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

It was a great recipe, my only complaint to speak of, was there wasn't an amount each serving was. The recipe made 9 1/2 cup servings, so I wasn't sure if each serving was 3/4 of a cup or what, so for those of us really measuring everything, that is very important. But other wise it was a hit. - 4/23/07
DSCHEN

Very Good

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I often crave Mexican foods and this one hit the spot. Made it just like the recipe stated and it was great. Will try some of the other options in comments. - 3/29/09
KIKILEBEAU

Incredible!

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

great recipe. I added tomatoes, hot sauce, cilantro, cumin & lime juice. It was fantastic at room temp. & everyone loved it! - 3/5/09
DRACO63

Incredible!

8 of 10 people found this review helpful

I kept the cheese, added some chicken that I drizzeled with 1/2 of a fresh lime then I put a med/large fresh tomatoe and can of mild green chilies in the blender gave it a whirl to make it good and juicy and poored it over . It was good. - 7/17/09
SUNNY142

Very Good

8 of 10 people found this review helpful

Loved it! I added some diced avocado and 2 tablespoons nonfat greek yogurt for a creamy touch :) - 7/8/09
DIANEMAR

Incredible!

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Just great!!added tomatoes, chicken and a little chipolte tobasco to spicen it up, incredible!!!!17 yr old son really loved it!!! - 9/15/08
ZAFTIG7

Very Good

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Great! I did add some Boca Crumbles, garlic salt, cumin and lime juice for more flavor..... - 6/15/07
LLEEINIA

Very Good

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

This was good. I added fresh choppd jlalapeno and red onion. - 9/15/08
CD1497466

Good

7 of 10 people found this review helpful

I made this last night, but I followed the suggestions that I read in the other reviews, and aded fresh lime jucie and purple onion. I would have also added cilantro, but I didn't have any on hand. I also added a cooked and chopped chicken breast and left out the cheese, to reduce fat and add prot - 11/13/07
LLBRCFAN

6 of 12 people found this review helpful

I like pasta salad and will add some chicken to make it a meal. - 7/7/09
RJYOUNG16

Very Good

6 of 8 people found this review helpful

Very good and easy to make. I left out the green pepper and added grilled chicken seasoned in cajun powder. - 4/10/08
ROGAPESH

Very Good

5 of 7 people found this review helpful

This is a great salad. I added two chopped fresh tomatoes instead of green peppers, plus some grilled chicken. I'll definitely make this again! - 8/21/09
TOCONNER

Very Good

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Very good, I made this tonight for dinner. I used Green Giant Southwestern style corn. Very easy to make. - 8/11/09
SAL1512

Very Good

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I love black beans and this was just another excuse to serve them again! And to mix them with corn, another family favorite, was a real plus! This recipe goes into my box! - 7/9/09
GRACEOMALLEY

Very Good

5 of 8 people found this review helpful

This is great! i've tried it adding fresh diced tomatoes, a little chicken, spinach, green onion, thinnly sliced celery, bell pepper all diced up all work fine. I totally leave out the cilantro. To me it tastes and smells awful (like dirty socks) and I cannot eat things with that as an ingredient - 7/7/09
PATTY1THORPE

Very Good

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

It was easy to make - 7/7/09
BREEZZY1

5 of 13 people found this review helpful

There is a recipes just like this in the Instant Pasta salad I make all the time. You buy the Chipolte Ranch pasta salad and you can adda anything (chicken, corn, cheese, beans, etc) My moms fave way is with crushed doritos... just to mention I make mine with light sour cream, really cuts the cal. - 3/17/09
MSTAYLOR70

Incredible!

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Great Salad. Made it for back to school cookout and everyone loved it. - 8/24/09
ETHELMERZ

4 of 17 people found this review helpful

Made this with non organic ingredients, since organic is no better, they have proven that, so don't waste money, especially these days. It's a good salad for company. - 8/3/09
LILLIANA49

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

My all family loved... - 7/16/09
BETHLOVESBIKING

Incredible!

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Great taste! - 6/25/09
LEANMEANGINA

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

delicious and easy to prepare - 3/17/09
PEARLKAD

4 of 6 people found this review helpful

Not bad. I added grated carrot and honey to it...it was ideal for my tastebuds. - 3/12/08
SHIRLZ2

3 of 8 people found this review helpful

Sounds like EXACTLY what i have been looking for. I am going to add mariated chicken breast to this reipe. - 6/19/09
REGINAPAL

Incredible!

3 of 5 people found this review helpful

Loved it!!! - 5/24/09
*AMBER512

Very Good

3 of 5 people found this review helpful

I just saw a similar recipe in a magazine, I can't wait to try both!

Ok tried it, yummm!
- 3/12/09
BERTO4812

Good

3 of 5 people found this review helpful

great salad - 1/26/09
GAEA3070

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Love it! I will make it again. - 10/15/08
PANAMA1978

Incredible!

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

I really liked this. I will be making it again. - 9/17/08
RHALES199

3 of 6 people found this review helpful

Sounds yummy! I'll have to try it... I think maybe even my DH would like it (would probably make a good healthier substitute for the Suddenly Salad my DH likes :). I think it might be good w/ tomatoes or olives added. - 9/15/08
BIRDPEEPLE

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

This was good, but kinda band to my taste. It was much better when I added minced red onion and cilantro. - 11/12/07
CINDYJ71

Good

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Healthy, but a little bland. Like another reviewer, I also wasn't sure how much one serving was. - 6/21/07
JEHART1

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

a serving is just over 1 cup. recipe makes 9 1/2 cups. - 5/13/12
EGRAMMY

Incredible!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I use red pepper instead of green - 5/30/10
NWHIKER

Very Good

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Used mild canned chiles instead of pepper, and added diced tomatoes and cilantro. Also added smoked salmon instead of cheese. Could use chicken or other protein. Next time squeeze some lime over it. Yum. - 4/22/10
SARAHSTANLEY

Incredible!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I loved this - I had to adapt because we in the UK don't get Publix canned goods but it turned out great anyway. I doubled the salsa and used reduced fat feta cheese because its what I had in the fridge. - 4/22/10
SBOYKIN

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Don't like pasta (slimy white stuff) so used brown rice instead. Added lots'sa hot peppers & more HOT salsa & also a chopped tomato. Monteray Jack cheese instead of ccccccccccheddar since it was handier - 3/25/10
VORLANDO

Incredible!

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

To cut back on the soduim, I rinsed my canned goods fairly well. I used Eden brand beans b/c they are the lowest in sodium I was able to find. Also, I used a few dabs of Plain-No Fat-Yogurt to give a sour cream affect and give the salad some moisture. Cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice made it A+! - 8/26/09
SEXYSIZE_12

2 of 5 people found this review helpful

Sounds like a healthy meal to take to a family party, I think I'll try this next time we have an event. - 1/31/09
LEE907

Very Good

2 of 4 people found this review helpful

i enjoyed this salad. Thanks for the recipe. - 12/29/08
ATHIEL1

2 of 5 people found this review helpful

This is a great start to a healthy pasta salad. You could add chunks of chicken or shrimp. You could also serve spaghetti sauce over this. Add some more seasonings to taste! Great recipe to take to a party or have as a small side! - 12/1/07
MARISA325

Very Good

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I used a can of Rotel (with liquid) in place of the salsa. Gave it a perfect amount of heat (too much for the kids, but my husband and I enjoyed). Added a second can of Rotel to the leftovers on Day 2, since the pasta absorbed the liquid. Great recipe, thanks! - 1/29/13
LILLIPUTIANNA

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

AGAIN with the pictures that don't look like the recipe. The photo CLEARLY shows tomatoes and olives...which are not in the recipe. Do you folks need a staff photographer? - 1/15/13
CD10010089

Very Good

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Yummy light supper on a warm evening! - 7/3/12
CD10895053

Incredible!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

So delicious! I added some chicken and lowfat sour cream and left out the cheese. Added some taco seasoning and some fresh tomatoes, diced and some onion, chopped too, some lemon juice. Otherwise, pretty much the same. Thanks! - 6/29/12
BARBSASPARK

Very Good

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Excellent! I added the mild green chilis also to spice it up and sliced green onions :) - 6/16/12
HEALTHYDESIRE

Good

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We enjoyed this but tired of it after three days. I wasn't sure how or if it could freeze. - 4/21/12
N2THEABYSS

Incredible!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I made this with quinoa instead of pasta and left off the cheese, for a skateboard race cookout Saturday and it was such a huge hit and so delicious I made it again for dinner last night. Yesterday I subbed green onions for the green peppers, that was great too! YUMMY! - 4/17/12
BEATLETOT

Incredible!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I did a makeover, but wanted to come by here, too, to tell you how yummy this was!!!! - 3/18/12
TWITLET

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Made this for dinner tonight. Made exactly as described, providing jalapenos for my husband on the side. It was really filling and super tasty. I would definitely make this again and consider it for a potluck at work. - 2/25/12
STINSONC73

Incredible!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Delicious - 10/19/11
AGASSIFAN

Very Good

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Thank you for this recipe.... - 9/28/11
BABYBARNEY

Good

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good...abit dry...I think for next time I would nix the spinach I added - 8/17/11
KNICKI1

Very Good

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Pretty good. I had a red pepper so I used that instead of green but it was still quite good. Thanks! - 6/1/11
CHRISSYANNE3

Very Good

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I accidentally overcooked the noodles so it could have been better :) - 5/22/11
WENDICF

Incredible!

1 of 4 people found this review helpful

This sounds real good my husband hates black beans and red beans, do yall think navy,northern, or pintos would work in this recipe? He is normally not picky, but this is one of a few things he hates! - 8/18/09
BARBLAM1

Very Good

1 of 3 people found this review helpful

I love any salad with everything in it that I can dump black beans into!!! I'll tweak this with some dressing and spices, but definitely a keeper! - 7/5/09
AMYLOVESTZU

Very Good

1 of 5 people found this review helpful

Will try it out with chicken thanks a lot - 2/3/09
LINDALOU_77

1 of 5 people found this review helpful

Will make this tonight to go with my Ham steak - will tweak it a little as i do not have any organic stuff. - 1/31/09
MERENEWED1

1 of 4 people found this review helpful

This sounds pretty good and I think I will try it with chicken! Thanks - 1/19/09
DOTTIE061

1 of 5 people found this review helpful

I am interested in trying this pasta recipe very soon. It sounds reallygood I may spice it up a bit and add chicken / I'll comment later after I make it. - 1/17/09
MERCIEJ3

1 of 3 people found this review helpful

Love this recipe. You can get organic foods at most large supermarkets or grocery stores. They usually have a section with organic items that are called in the above recipe. - 12/29/08
FAYEGODBEY

1 of 4 people found this review helpful

A little high in carbs for a main dish. A 1/2 cup serving sounds good for a sidedish. - 9/15/08
JEREMY_PATRICIA

Good

1 of 5 people found this review helpful

I will use vegan cheddar cheese and then this will be better. - 9/15/08
MACHOL

Add yellow pepper instead of corn (allergy) - 6/16/21
SHERYE

Great salad - I also added baby spinach, so yummy - 6/16/21
PIZZA5152

Great salad - 6/16/21
NANASUEH

thanks - 5/16/21
POSEY440

Very Good

Great - 5/9/21
BLOND1E

Umm...corn on salad? That would be an unfortunate texture. - 5/5/21
JAMER123

A lot of these ingredients I can't have but it sure does look interesting. - 1/25/21
SMALLERMELORIE

Incredible!

Looking for a recipe that makes me think of Summer. Tonights' dinner will include this! - 1/13/21
TERMITEMOM

Very Good

I added some spinach. It was good, but the amount of sodium is high... - 1/5/21
ALEPEQUIJADA

Great! - 9/16/20
LOSER05

Incredible!

yum - 9/8/20
SISTERPRETTY

yummy - 8/1/20
JIACOLO

I want to try this with a little cumin too - 6/16/20
DIGIT00

Very Good

I can't digest corn, so I leave that out. But I have done this several times and just added different combinations of veggies and fruit... very tasty! - 6/9/20
PWILLOW1

I skipped the peppers and salsa and added 1 cup of diced totatoes, drained, and 1/4 c. of minced onion. Very good. - 6/8/20
WHITEANGEL4

Incredible!

I make this and we enjoy. I do not make with whole wheat pasta as I have an allergic reaction to wheat pasta - 6/6/20
MOMMY445

Good

Yummy - 5/15/20
NELLJONES

I made this in summer so I could use fresh corn. Much better than canned. And I use regular pasta, whole wheat pasta tastes awful. Very simple assembly, perfect for a hot day. - 4/26/20
ANHELIC

Awesome sounding pasta salad that I know I would truly enjoy. Looking forward to making this. Thanks for sharing. - 8/1/19
NANCYPAT1

Nice - 7/24/19
HOTPINKCAMARO49

Awesome! - 7/20/19
PLCHAPPELL

Great flavor - 7/20/19
CECTARR

Thamks - 7/9/19
EVIE4NOW

Very Good

this was good.. did change it a bit, but always do. - 7/6/19
PLATINUM755

Very Good

I make a similar salad and knew the base recipe is great. I did try some of the suggestions mad, very selective of the salsa and the type of cheese. - 6/25/19
BONDMANUS2002

Yumm - 6/23/19
KACEYSW

Incredible!

This is yummy. I make mine with Lentil Pasta and some red pepper flakes! - 6/18/19
BONNIE1552

Will have to try this for the grandsons. - 6/16/19
TOMATOCAFEGAL

Very Good

Member suggestions help make this one different for a couple of times. - 6/16/19

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