Pasta Salad Recipe

My Favorite Mexican Pasta Salad for Summer BBQs

Hey everyone! Today I’m sharing a recipe that’s become a staple at my summer barbecues: Mexican Pasta Salad! It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor and color, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s perfect for prepping ahead of time.

We’re big fans of pasta salad in our house, and this Mexican version is no exception. It joins my all-time favorites, Orzo Pasta Salad and Kale Pasta Salad, on the “must-try” list.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Super Easy & Portable: Perfect for summer gatherings! Make it ahead and bring it along – it travels well.
• Pantry Staples: Chances are you already have most of the ingredients on hand.
• Flavorful Dressing: A creamy salsa dressing takes this salad over the top. Pick your favorite jarred salsa for a burst of flavor.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap the pasta or leave out the feta cheese if you’re not a fan.

Let’s Make Some Mexican Pasta Salad!

This recipe is all about fresh, vibrant ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Salad:

• Farfalle (bowtie) pasta – easy to scoop up with all the deliciousness
• Black beans – rinsed and drained
• Avocado – the bigger, the better!
• Corn – drained for sweetness and texture
• Roma tomatoes – diced for pops of sweetness
• Green onions – finely chopped for color and flavor
• Red onion – finely chopped for a milder bite
• Cilantro – fresh chopped for an amazing aroma
• Feta cheese (optional) – adds a creamy burst of flavor

Dressing:

• Fresh salsa – pick a flavor you love
• Sour cream – for creaminess and tang
• Mayonnaise – adds richness
• Garlic – minced or pressed for a savory kick
• Cumin – warm earthy spice
• Salt & pepper – to taste
• Lime juice – a must-have for freshness!

Making the Magic Happen:

This recipe is foolproof! Here’s the simple process:

1. Cook the Pasta: Follow the package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Let it cool completely.
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the beans, corn, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
3. Whip Up the Dressing: In another bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients.
4. Combine & Chill: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve (ideally, serve the day it’s made).
5. Optional Feta: You can either stir the feta cheese into the salad or crumble it on top as a garnish.
6. Serve & Enjoy! This recipe serves 8-12 people.

Tips & Variations:

• Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta.
• Not a fan of cilantro? No problem, just leave it out.
• Want to add a kick? Include a diced jalapeno pepper in the salad.
• Leftovers? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, this salad will keep in the fridge for a day or two.

This Mexican Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering! It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. So give it a try and let me know what you think!

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