Southwest Pasta Salad with Chipotle Dressing (Vegan!)
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Southwest Pasta Salad with Chipotle Dressing (Vegan!), a refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This colorful salad combines al dente pasta, hearty black beans, and sweet corn, all tossed in a creamy chipotle dressing that packs a delightful punch. Ideal for summer barbecues or quick meal prep, this salad is not only easy to make but also nutritious, ensuring that you can enjoy a burst of flavor without compromising on health. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz. elbow pasta (gluten-free if desired)
- 15 oz. can black beans
- 1 1/2 cups sweet corn
- 3–4 roma tomatoes
- 2/3 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup red onion
- 1 jalapeño pepper
- 3/4 cup raw cashews, soaked
- 2/3 cup water
- 1–2 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, dice tomatoes, chop cilantro, and finely dice red onion and jalapeño (seeds removed). Combine these in a large mixing bowl with rinsed black beans and corn.
- For the dressing, blend soaked cashews with water, chipotle chiles, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt until smooth.
- Once pasta is done cooking and drained well, add it to the mixing bowl with veggies. Pour the dressing on top and toss thoroughly to combine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg