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Easy High Protein Southwest Pasta Salad Recipe for a Healthy Meal

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This vibrant Southwest pasta salad is a celebration of flavors and nutrition, featuring tender pasta, juicy black beans, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for meal prep or gatherings, it’s packed with high protein ingredients that keep you satisfied.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup avocado mayo (I prefer Chosen Foods for its clean flavor)
  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (Fage non-fat works great for creaminess)
  • 4 tbsp salsa
  • 5 tsp taco seasoning
  • 2 garlic cloves (freshly minced for best flavor and aroma)
  • 1.5 fl oz lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 lb pasta (I use Barilla Protein+ for the best texture)
  • 18 oz black beans (rinsed and drained to keep the salad clean)
  • 1/2 cup tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup pickled onions
  • 4 oz green chiles
  • 1.25 cup corn
  • 3 tbsp cilantro

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 1 lb of Barilla Protein+ pasta and cook for exactly 10 minutes or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the pasta to be firm yet tender, so taste a piece before draining.
  2. Prepare the dressing: While the pasta is cooking, in a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup avocado mayo, 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, 4 tbsp salsa, 5 tsp taco seasoning, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1.5 fl oz lime juice, 1/2 tsp lime zest, 1 tsp hot sauce, and 1 tsp salt. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps from the mayo or yogurt.
  3. Drain and rinse the pasta: Once the pasta is done, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water for about 30 seconds to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial to prevent mushy pasta.
  4. Combine the ingredients: Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the dressing. You should see a beautiful, creamy coating on each piece of pasta.
  5. Add the mix-ins: To the pasta and dressing, add 18 oz of rinsed and drained black beans, 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, 1/2 cup pickled onions, 4 oz diced green chiles, 1.25 cup corn, and 3 tbsp chopped cilantro. Gently fold everything together until well combined and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  6. Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer more heat, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If it’s too thick, a splash of water or more lime juice can help loosen it.
  7. Chill and serve: For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it cold, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente pasta is crucial for texture. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, and feel free to adjust the creamy ingredients to your preference.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/easy-high-protein-southwest-pasta-salad-recipe-for-a-healthy-meal/