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Creamy Southwest Chipotle Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe Easy and Delicious with Black Beans

Creamy Southwest Chipotle Ranch Pasta Salad - featured image
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A creamy, smoky, and fresh pasta salad featuring black beans, fresh veggies, and a homemade chipotle ranch dressing. Perfect for quick lunches, casual gatherings, and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1–2 teaspoons chipotle powder or 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 avocado, diced
  • Optional: 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ranch dressing, 1-2 teaspoons chipotle powder (or 1 minced chipotle pepper in adobo), 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1 teaspoon honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, drain and rinse 1 can black beans, dice 1/2 cup red bell pepper, and chop 1/4 cup red onion and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro.
  5. In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, black beans, tomatoes, corn kernels, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.
  6. Pour the chipotle ranch dressing over the pasta mixture. Use a silicone spatula to gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors marry.
  8. Before serving, optionally toss in diced avocado or cooked shredded chicken for extra creaminess or protein.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness and help dressing cling better. Adjust chipotle heat to taste, starting mild. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Salad tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight. Add avocado or chicken just before serving to avoid browning or sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: chipotle ranch, pasta salad, black beans, creamy pasta salad, southwest salad, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/creamy-southwest-chipotle-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-and-delicious-with-black-beans/