Description
This vibrant Mexican Pasta Salad with Creamy Dressing is a refreshing and flavorful side dish perfect for summer gatherings. It features al dente rotini pasta mixed with black beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and a zesty, creamy lime and taco-seasoned dressing. Finished with creamy avocado and crumbly cotija or feta cheese, this salad is a colorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make vegetarian dish that brings authentic Mexican flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Dressing and Cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the rotini pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined to create a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, rinsed black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh cilantro. Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Add Avocado and Cheese: Gently fold in the diced avocado and crumbled cotija or feta cheese, being careful to not mash the avocado for a creamy texture and vibrant presentation.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein to make it a more substantial meal.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, tangier dressing.
- Cotija cheese offers an authentic Mexican flavor, but feta cheese is an excellent and easily available substitute.
- Ensure to rinse the pasta with cold water thoroughly to prevent it from sticking and to cool it down properly before mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
