Facebook-square Pinterest-square Instagram

Southwest Pasta Salad

This post may contain affiliate links.

Make this Southwest Pasta Salad and drop jaws at your next summer gathering. This bold and creamy salad is the perfect summer dish with a smoky BBQ yogurt dressing, juicy corn and tomatoes, and protein-rich beans. It’s a summer dish that delivers big flavor with plant-based power!
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Southwest Pasta Salad

Say hello to your new favorite summer pasta salad! I know I’ve said this time and time again, but honestly, friends – it’s obsession worthy! I love southwest anything, southwest salads, southwest wraps, and most definitely love a southwest pasta salad! It’s kind of the best of everything, a little bit of carbs, a whole lot of freshness and just the right amount of creamy. This Southwest Pasta Salad is filled with juicy tomatoes, zesty onions, fiber-rich black beans, and the new brown rice chickpea pasta from Banza that I just can’t get enough of!

Gluten Free Pasta Salad

As a gluten free eater, finding a good pasta has felt impossible – until now. Banza has nailed the texture, and I just love that it’s made with only 2 clean ingredients. It even tastes amazing reheated the next day (total game changer!) I teeter between being an absolute pasta fanatic to being really blasé about it, and it’s because not all pastas are made the same! Banza has totally changed my mind. 

It’s one thing for a pasta to be gluten free and still be delicious, it’s a whole other game when the pasta is also high protein and made with the most minimal ingredients! We all know I LOVE chickpeas (hello, a million chickpea recipes), and now I get to enjoy them in a whole new presentation. If you’ve never tried Banza, I highly recommend grabbing a box next time you’re in the supermarket and making this pasta salad!

I didn’t even talk about the dressing yet… this pasta salad would not be complete without the delicious, smoky, sweet and spicy yogurt sauce that perfectly coats the noodles. It’s totally dairy-free, and you’re going to love it; let’s toss some pasta!

Ingredients for Southwest Pasta Salad

This Southwest Pasta Salad is bright, bold, and full of flavor; here’s what you’ll need to bring it to life:

  • Banza brown rice rotini: I love this gluten free, protein-rich pasta. It holds its shape perfectly when tossed with all the other salad ingredients.
  • Frozen sweet corn: Thawed and ready to add crunch and sweetness. Feel free to use fresh corn or canned if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Green onions: For a mild oniony bite without that long-lasting raw onion aftertaste. 
  • Black or kidney beans: A hearty, fiber and protein-packed addition, you could even use both beans if you wanted to!
  • Cherry tomatoes: Fresh, juicy, and perfect for that summer pop.
  • Dairy-free yogurt: The base of our creamy dressing.
  • BBQ sauce: Adds smoky, sweet depth to tie everything together.
  • Dijon mustard: For tang and complexity.
  • Sriracha: Just a touch for subtle heat.
  • Maple syrup: Balances the spice and acidity.
Cooked rotini pasta in a wooden bowl for pasta salad

How to Make Vegan Southwest Pasta Salad

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cool water. Set aside to let it fully cool.

Prep the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, thawed corn, chopped green onions, drained beans, and halved cherry tomatoes.

Make the Best Salad Dressing for This Southwest Salad

The key to a bold and creamy southwest pasta salad dressing is balance. Start with a rich, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt. Add smoky BBQ sauce, a dollop of mustard, and sriracha for heat. Maple syrup rounds everything out. Taste and adjust as needed. Want more zest? Add lime juice. Want it spicier? Add chili flakes or cayenne. This dressing is what ties the whole salad together, so give it some care!

Toss and Serve

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a chilled version.

What to Serve with Southwest Salad

This salad is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled mains and classic picnic goodies. Serve it alongside veggie burgers or tofu steaks, grilled veggie skewers, and a side of cornbread or crunchy tortilla chips for the ultimate summer BBQ spread! And what BBQ is complete without drinks? Try my Strawberry Margarita or this 3 Ingredient Watermelon Smoothie!

How to Make Southwestern Salad Ahead of Time

This recipe is great for meal prep or parties. Cook the pasta, prep the veggies, and mix the dressing up to 1 day in advance. Store components separately and toss together just before serving for the best texture.

How to Store Your Leftover Pasta Salad

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it thickens in the fridge, revive it with a splash of lime juice before serving.

Tips for Making Southwest Pasta Salad

  • Use Banza gluten-free pasta for the best texture, flavor and added protein!
  • Rinse pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
  • Don’t skip the maple syrup – it balances the heat and acid beautifully.
  • Serve immediately for the best experience.

Why You’ll Love This Southwestern Pasta Salad

It’s quick to make, full of bold flavors, and perfect for summer gatherings. Plus, it’s totally dairy-free, high in plant-based protein, and made with simple pantry staples. You can serve it warm or cold, which makes it super versatile. And did we mention it’s ready in under 30 minutes? This recipe is by far the best Southwest salad you will find, and making it with Banza pasta makes it all the better!

Frequently Asked Questions For This Southwest Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! Prep all the components ahead and mix before serving for best results.

What if I don’t have dairy-free yogurt? Try using tahini or hummus as a creamy base.

Can I use canned corn? Definitely. Just rinse and drain well before adding.

How spicy is this salad? It has a mild kick from sriracha, but you can scale it up or down to your taste.

Other Vegan Pasta Salad Recipes to Consider

Vegan Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Avocado Pesto Pasta Salad

Vegan Lemon Poppyseed Pasta Salad

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa. 

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

Learn More

Get the Jackfruitful Meal Planner !

Say goodbye to meal time stress with the Jackfruitful Meal Planner! Get a weekly custom meal plan, grocery list, and access to exclusive recipes, tutorials, at-home workouts and more!
Learn More!
Recipe cover graphic reading “Layered Salads” over a colorful layered vegetable background

Get the Layered Salads ebook from Jackfruitful Kitchen for FREE!

Enter your email below and then check your inbox for the goodies.

Related Posts

Join my mailing list to get the latest recipes first!

pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, and scallions and two wooden serving spoons
Jackie Akerberg

Southwest Pasta Salad

3 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin to Pinterest!
Make this Southwest Pasta Salad and drop jaws at your next summer gathering. This bold and creamy salad is the perfect summer dish with a smoky BBQ yogurt dressing, juicy corn and tomatoes, and protein-rich beans. It’s a summer dish that delivers big flavor with plant-based power!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Calories: 360

Equipment

  • stove

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz Banza Brown Rice Rotini, cooked and cooled
  • 1 cup frozen sweet corn, thawed
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 15 oz canned black beans, or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt
  • ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp sriracha
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Add the noodles to a large bowl with the corn, onions, beans and tomatoes.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients to a jar and stir to combine. Season to taste.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Best enjoyed right away, but also makes great leftovers!

Nutrition

Serving 1servingCalories 360kcalCarbohydrates 75gProtein 12gFat 2gSaturated Fat 1gPolyunsaturated Fat 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat 0.2gCholesterol 1mgSodium 567mgPotassium 506mgFiber 10gSugar 13gVitamin A 315IUVitamin C 13mgCalcium 126mgIron 2mg

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

Did you make this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Related posts

9 Responses

  1. 5 stars
    Delicious!! Such a fun take on pasta salad. As usual, Jackie keeps it both delicious and super healthy. Yum!!

    Reply

  2. 1 star
    Hi – I had left a negative comment regarding how the dressing was so hot that it made the salad inedible. I had asked if the quantity of srirracha should have been 1 tsp versus 1 tbs. I have not seen my comment posted nor have I received a reply to my question.

    Reply

    1. Hi Nancy, I am sorry you did not have a positive experience with this recipe. I always suggest that if you are sensitive to spicy flavors to always start with the smallest amount and taste as you add. I did not see your question about the sriracha quantity or else I would have replied in a timely manner. Sincerest apologies for your experience, I hope that you will try the recipe again and omit the sriracha.

      Reply

    2. Hi Nancy, The measurements on the recipe card are correct, if 1 tbsp of sriracha is too much for you, please feel free to adjust the amount to your personal preference. Sorry you did not have a positive experience.

      Reply

    1. Hi Karen, all of the macros for every recipe I made (and more) are included in my meal planner if those are details you are keen on knowing! I hope you’ll get it and give it a try, this recipe and many others are all available in the app.

      Reply
3 from 2 votes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Want Jackfruitful Recipes sent right to your inbox?

Subscribe by submitting your email!