Vibrant Mexican Pasta Salad: Your New Favorite Healthy Side Dish with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Discover the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients: our Mexican Pasta Salad. Featuring hearty black beans, sweet corn, crisp bell peppers, aromatic cilantro, juicy tomatoes, and a lusciously creamy avocado dressing, this recipe is a must-try for any occasion. It’s not just delicious; it’s easy to make, incredibly healthy, and perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply as a vibrant addition to your family dinner.

My culinary journey has always had a special detour for pasta. Indeed, if I’m being honest, carbohydrates in general hold a very dear place in my heart – sometimes even more so than desserts! Among all the wonderful forms carbs can take, pasta, especially in a vibrant salad, truly captures my affection. Growing up, pasta salads weren’t a regular staple in our home meals; they were more of a festive treat, making appearances at lively parties or casual potluck gatherings with friends and family.

It wasn’t until I met my husband that my world truly opened up to the endless possibilities and delightful variations of pasta salads. His mother, an undeniable connoisseur of these versatile dishes, introduced me to a whole new realm of flavors and textures. I fondly recall visiting his parents’ home for Sunday dinner, where a colossal bowl of her legendary pasta salad would be waiting, inviting everyone to dig in. Her secret recipes were coveted, and luckily, I was able to get my hands on them. Since then, I’ve developed a passion for crafting flavorful pasta salads, drawing inspiration from her timeless creations and adding my own healthy twists. This love has led to other favorites like my Best Ever Pasta Salad and the delightful Roasted Asparagus & Mushroom Pesto Pasta Salad – truly delicious options!

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Pasta Salad

This Mexican Pasta Salad stands out for several compelling reasons. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dish for entertaining. What truly sets it apart is its healthy profile. Instead of heavy, calorie-laden dressings, this recipe champions fresh, vibrant vegetables and a creamy, nutrient-rich avocado dressing. We opt for a healthier pasta variety, like Dreamfield’s Healthy Carb Living Pasta, to keep things light without sacrificing that satisfying pasta texture.

The beauty of this salad lies in its robust flavor combination and the fresh ingredients. The base is a colorful medley of black beans, corn, and bell peppers, providing both substance and a fantastic crunch. Fresh cilantro and sweet cherry tomatoes add bright, zesty notes that perfectly complement the other components. But the real game-changer is the dressing. Crafted from ripe avocados, tangy Greek yogurt, a hint of zesty lime, and a punch of taco seasoning, it’s a creamy, flavorful sensation that binds all the ingredients together beautifully. Simply blend the dressing ingredients until smooth, then either toss it directly with the pasta and veggies or drizzle it generously over the top just before serving.

This salad is remarkably versatile. It’s an absolute superstar at potlucks, instantly adding a pop of color and flavor to any spread. For outdoor gatherings, it makes a refreshing picnic side dish. And for your everyday meals, it serves as a light yet satisfying side or even a stand-alone lunch. Your family, friends, and anyone you share it with are guaranteed to fall in love with its irresistible taste!

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

Every ingredient in this Mexican Pasta Salad is chosen not just for its incredible taste, but also for its nutritional value and how it contributes to the overall texture and freshness of the dish.

Penne Pasta: While any short pasta shape works, penne is ideal for holding the creamy dressing and hearty vegetables. Opting for a healthier carb-conscious pasta like Dreamfield’s helps manage carbohydrate intake without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. Cooking it al dente ensures a pleasant bite that stands up to the other ingredients.
Black Beans: These humble legumes are powerhouses of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, contributing to satiety and digestive health. They add a wonderful earthy flavor and substantial texture to the salad. Remember to rinse and drain them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve their taste.
Corn: Whether from a can (drained) or fresh/frozen, corn brings a burst of natural sweetness and a lovely pop of texture. It’s rich in antioxidants and fiber, making it a delicious and healthy addition.
Bell Peppers: We use both canned corn with red & green bell peppers and fresh orange bell pepper for a vibrant mix of colors and nutrients. Bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C and add a refreshing crunch and mild sweetness.
Cilantro: This herb is quintessential to Mexican cuisine, offering a bright, fresh, and slightly citrusy aroma that elevates the entire salad. It’s packed with antioxidants and lends an authentic flavor profile.
Green Onions (Scallions): Providing a mild oniony bite, green onions add a subtle sharpness and freshness that brightens up the salad without being overpowering. They are also a good source of vitamins K and C.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes burst with juicy, sweet-tart flavor, adding a pleasant acidity and an extra layer of freshness. They are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

The Irresistible Avocado Dressing

The avocado dressing is the heart and soul of this Mexican Pasta Salad. It’s a revelation compared to traditional mayonnaise-based dressings, offering a creamy texture and rich flavor profile that is both decadent and healthy.

Avocados: The star of the dressing, avocados provide its incredible creaminess and a wealth of healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, and vitamins K, C, B6, and E. They contribute to a feeling of fullness and add a smooth, luxurious texture.
Greek Yogurt: Fat-free plain Greek yogurt is the secret to making this dressing both light and tangy. It adds a probiotic boost and a creamy consistency without the heavy fats of sour cream or mayonnaise.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for balancing the richness of the avocado and yogurt. It adds a zesty, bright acidity that cuts through the creaminess and enhances all the other flavors.
Garlic & Cumin: Minced garlic provides an aromatic depth, while cumin adds that signature warm, earthy, and slightly spicy note characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
Taco Seasoning: A little taco seasoning ties all the flavors together, adding a complex blend of spices that makes the dressing unmistakably Mexican-inspired. You can use a store-bought packet or your favorite homemade blend.
Fat-Free Milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the dressing, ensuring it’s smooth and pourable without being too thick.

Mexican Pasta Salad

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Author: Jenn

Ingredients

▢ 1 13.25-oz box penne pasta (I love Dreamfield’s Healthy Carb Living Pasta)
▢ 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
▢ 1 11-oz can corn with red & green bell peppers
▢ 1/2 orange bell pepper chopped
▢ 1/4 c. cilantro chopped
▢ 3 green onions sliced
▢ 5- oz. cherry tomatoes halved
▢ 2 avocados pitted and halved
▢ 3 green onions
▢ 3 cloves garlic minced
▢ 1/2 tsp. cumin
▢ 3 Tbsp. fat free plain Greek yogurt
▢ juice of 1/4 lime
▢ 3/4 cup fat free milk
▢ 1/4 – 1/2 tsp. taco seasoning packet or homemade
▢ 1/4 tsp. pepper
▢ 1/2 tsp. salt

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pour into a large bowl. Add black beans, corn, bell pepper, cilantro, green onions, and cherry tomatoes. Toss.
In a food processor or blender, combine avocados, green onions, garlic, cumin, Greek yogurt, lime juice, milk and taco seasoning. Pulse until combined and creamy. If too thick, add a little more milk. Taste and add salt and pepper.
Serve with pasta salad either by drizzling with sauce (as shown) or toss to coat pasta and veggies. Enjoy!

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @JenNikolaus or tag #YummyHealthyEasy!

Tips for a Perfect Mexican Pasta Salad Every Time

Creating this delicious Mexican Pasta Salad is straightforward, but a few tips can elevate your dish from good to absolutely outstanding:

Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Overcooked pasta will absorb too much dressing and become soggy. Rinsing the pasta with cold water after draining is crucial for pasta salads, as it stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking together, ensuring a pleasing texture in the final salad.
Freshness is Key: The vibrant flavors of this salad truly shine when you use the freshest ingredients possible. Opt for ripe avocados, crisp bell peppers, and fresh cilantro. If fresh corn isn’t in season, frozen corn (thawed) or canned corn (drained) are great alternatives.
Dressing Consistency: When blending the avocado dressing, aim for a creamy, smooth consistency. If it’s too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired texture. Conversely, if it seems a little thin, you can add a bit more avocado or Greek yogurt. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
To Toss or To Drizzle: The recipe suggests serving by either drizzling the sauce over the salad or tossing it all together. Drizzling offers a beautiful presentation, while tossing ensures every piece of pasta and veggie is coated in the creamy dressing. For best flavor, it’s often best to lightly toss, then add more dressing at serving if desired.
Make Ahead Tips: This salad is wonderful when made a few hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. However, if making it significantly ahead (like overnight), you might want to hold off on adding all the dressing, or add a little extra lime juice to the dressing to help prevent the avocado from browning. You can always add a fresh swirl of dressing or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving to refresh it.

Variations and Customizations

One of the joys of pasta salad is its adaptability. Feel free to make this Mexican Pasta Salad your own with these delicious variations:

Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken (shredded or diced), cooked shrimp, or even some crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Spice It Up: If you love heat, finely dice some jalapeños or serrano peppers and add them to the salad. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing can also add a kick.
Cheesy Goodness: Crumbled cotija cheese or feta cheese would be a fantastic addition, offering a salty, tangy counterpoint. Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack could also work.
Additional Vegetables: Diced red onion, black olives, or even some finely chopped radish could add extra layers of flavor and texture.
Different Pasta Shapes: While penne is great, feel free to use other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle (bow-tie pasta).
Smoked Paprika: A touch of smoked paprika in the dressing can add a deeper, smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Mexican Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile for serving:

Potluck Favorite: It’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it visually appealing and delicious.
Picnic Perfect: Pack it in an insulated container for a refreshing addition to your outdoor meal.
Weeknight Side: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, tacos, enchiladas, or a simple burger for a complete and satisfying meal.
Light Lunch: Enjoy a bowl on its own for a healthy and fulfilling lunch. It’s packed with vegetables and healthy fats, keeping you energized.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Mexican Pasta Salad promises a burst of flavor and a healthy boost that everyone will appreciate. It’s a wonderful alternative to heavier, cream-based pasta salads, offering a refreshing twist that’s sure to become a regular on your menu.

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This recipe was originally shared as a contributor post on I Heart Nap Time on June 21, 2014, and has since become a cherished staple.