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southwestern pasta salad in a blue salad bowl.
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5 from 1 vote

Southwestern Pasta Salad with Avocado Dressing

This easy Southwestern pasta salad recipe is bright and fresh with tender pasta, tons of veggies, and a zesty, creamy avocado dressing. Great pasta salad for your next cookout, weekday lunches, or an easy dinner side dish. 
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10
Calories: 193kcal
Author: Cara Lanz

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces dry rotini pasta
  • 10 ounces frozen corn, thawed or canned (drained) or fresh
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup red onion, diced or sliced
  • ¼ cup parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup feta cheese
  • 3 green onions, sliced

Avocado Yogurt Dressing Recipe

  • ½ ripe avocado
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 lime, juice and zest
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  • Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water for one minute short of the package directions, until al dente. Drain and rinse well with cold water.

Make Avocado Yogurt Dressing

  • In food processor or blender, add ½ of a ripe avocado, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, juice and zest of one lime, and 1 tablespoon honey. Process until smooth and creamy.
  • In a large bowl, add pasta, corn, beans, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, feta, green onion, and avocado yogurt dressing. Toss until thoroughly mixed.
  • Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.
    If desired, before serving, garnish with fresh parsley, the other half of the avocado (diced or sliced), halved cherry tomatoes, and a little more feta cheese.

Notes

  • For even creamier pasta salad, use the whole avocado or add more Greek yogurt. 
  • If, after a day or two, the pasta absorbs too much of the dressing, stir in more Greek yogurt, a little milk, some warm water, or your favorite creamy dressing to moisten it up again.

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 291mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 423IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 3mg