Name: Mexican Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 12 oz. farfalle pasta; 1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 12 oz. bag frozen corn, thawed; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped; 1 cup lite mayonnaise; 3/4 cup salsa (canned or jarred); 3-4 Tbsp. homemade taco seasoning or 1 package store-bought taco seasoning

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Mexican Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light meal. With a blend of fresh veggies, pasta, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s both colorful and satisfying.

The image shows a small white bowl filled with a three-layer dish of bowtie pasta mixed with black beans, yellow corn, and small red pepper pieces, all coated in a creamy orange sauce. The pasta and vegetables are garnished with small green herb leaves, adding a fresh touch. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface alongside a larger white bowl of the same dish, a lime wedge, scattered herbs, and a fork nearby, creating a fresh and colorful meal scene. The lighting highlights the smooth, creamy texture of the sauce and vibrant colors of the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz. farfalle pasta
1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 12 oz. bag frozen corn, thawed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 cup lite mayonnaise
3/4 cup salsa (canned or jarred)
3-4 Tbsp. homemade taco seasoning, or 1 package store-bought taco seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the farfalle pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse it with cold water, then set aside to cool and dry completely.
Step 2: Once the pasta is cool, transfer it to a medium-large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add the black beans, thawed corn, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro to the pasta.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the lite mayonnaise, salsa, and taco seasoning until well combined.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then toss everything together until fully coated.
Step 6: Cover the salad and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy chilled!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh salsa for a brighter flavor or add diced avocado for extra creaminess.
For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or jalapeño peppers to the dressing.
Swap the farfalle for rotini or penne if you prefer a different pasta shape.
Add diced bell peppers or red onion for additional crunch and color.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir and, if needed, add a little extra salsa or mayonnaise to refresh the dressing. This salad is best enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

A small white bowl filled with a pasta salad made of bowtie pasta coated in a creamy, light orange dressing. The salad is mixed with black beans, bright yellow corn kernels, and chopped fresh green parsley. In the background, a large white bowl holds more of the pasta salad, alongside a white bowl of red cherry tomatoes and a silver fork resting on a white marbled surface. A wedge of lime with a bright green rind sits near the bowls. The scene has a casual, fresh feel with the woman’s hand slightly visible holding the small bowl photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad actually tastes better after it has had some time to chill and let the flavors meld. Prepare it up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely. This recipe contains no meat or animal products besides dairy in the mayonnaise. You can make it vegan by substituting the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative.