Southwestern Pasta Salad with Light Dressing
Southwestern Pasta Salad is a vibrant, chilled dish that blends Italian pasta with the bold flavors of the American Southwest. It typically features rotini or penne pasta tossed with black beans, corn, bell peppers, red onion, and a creamy, tangy dressing often made with lime, cilantro, and a touch of spice. This fusion salad is a popular potluck and barbecue staple across the United States, especially in states like Texas and California.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally balanced but leans toward being a carbohydrate-rich meal from the pasta and beans, with moderate healthy fats from the dressing and plant-based protein from the beans. A typical one-cup serving provides around 250-350 calories, along with good fiber, folate, and vitamins from the fresh vegetables.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbs | 35 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
| Phosphorus | 150 mg |
| Zinc | 1.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a perfect example of modern American fusion cuisine, marrying Italian pasta traditions with Mexican and Tex-Mex ingredients. Nutritionally, the combination of beans and corn creates a complete protein, making it a satisfying and hearty vegetarian option.
