This Southwest Pasta Salad with Corn & Black Beans will be your new go-to. Are you craving a flavorful salad that’s perfect for your next cookout or summer potluck? Give this one a try. It goes together quickly, you can make it ahead, and it’s different from our usual pasta side dishes.
It’s creamy, colorful, and packed with bold, zesty flavor—plus, it’s loaded with fresh veggies and pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
This dish reminds me of a fiesta in a bowl, combining sweet corn, canned black beans, and al dente macaroni with a creamy taco-inspired dressing.
I love pasta salads during the summer months. So, for us, it’s important to have a few options and this one is a refreshing change of pace. All the flavors blend together nicely.
Great pasta salad
Whether you’re following a standard diet, a heart-healthy diet, or just looking for easy recipes to feed a crowd, this one’s a big hit every time.
Quick & Easy Southwest Pasta Salad with Corn & Black Beans
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 16 Ounces Macaroni Shells, or other pasta cooked to al dente
- 4.25 Ounces Black Olives 1 small can, Chopped
- 14.5 Ounces Diced Tomatoes 1 can or 2 cups fresh diced
- 14.5 Ounces Wax Beans 1 can drained
- 15 Ounces Black Beans rinsed and drained
- 15.25 Ounces Corn 1 can drained
For the Dressing
- 16 Ounces Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- ¼ Cup Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
- 1 Cup Salsa your desired heat level
- 2 Teaspoons Cilantro dried or 2 teaspoons fresh chopped
- 1 Ounce Taco Seasoning 1 packet or 3 Tablespoons Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt, then cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water. Set aside to cool.16 Ounces Macaroni
- Drain the liquid from the corn and wax beans. Add to a large bowl, along with the diced tomatoes and black olives. Drain and rinse the canned black beans and add that to the bowl.4.25 Ounces Black Olives, 14.5 Ounces Diced Tomatoes, 14.5 Ounces Wax Beans, 15.25 Ounces Corn, 15 Ounces Black Beans
- No need to make the dressing separately dirtying a small bowl. Just add the sour cream, mayonnaise, salsa, cilantro, and taco seasoning to the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything until coated.16 Ounces Sour Cream, ¼ Cup Mayonnaise, 1 Cup Salsa, 1 Ounce Taco Seasoning, 2 Teaspoons Cilantro
- Chill & Serve. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the different flavors to meld together.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add a Southwest Kick. Mix in red peppers, raw corn, or a pinch of chili powder.
- Make It Vegan. Swap out dairy with plant-based Greek yogurt and vegan mayo.
- Add Protein. Stir in own chicken, grilled shrimp, or beans like kidney or pinto.
- Brighten the Flavor. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor & Crunch
One of the best things about this black bean pasta salad is how easy it is to customize it with your favorite fresh produce or pantry items. These additions help create different flavors and textures that suit your tastes or what’s in season.
Here are some tasty mix-ins to consider:
- Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes – add juicy bursts of sweetness
- Cucumber – fresh, crisp, and perfect for summer
- Red onion, white onion, or green onions – for a zesty bite
- Celery – for a satisfying crunch
- Bell peppers – any color: red, green, yellow, or orange
- Avocado – creamy and nutrient-rich (add just before serving)
- Shredded cheese – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend
- Diced jalapeños – for a little heat
- Chopped spinach or romaine – to bulk it up like a southwestern pasta salad
- Crumbled tortilla chips – add just before serving for crunch
- Chopped bacon or sunflower seeds – for smoky or nutty flavor
- Black or dark kidney beans – to stretch the salad for a crowd
These simple additions can transform this from a traditional pasta salad to more of a Mexican pasta salad or even a Mexican street corn pasta salad depending on what you include.
🍽 Serving Suggestions for Southwest Pasta Salad
This black bean pasta salad is a perfect side dish for summer BBQs, potlucks, and weeknight dinners. It pairs well with grilled meats, or you can make it a main dish by adding:
- Rotisserie chicken
- Chopped grilled chicken or pre-cooked chicken
- Grilled Steak
- Grilled hotdogs or brats
This is a colorful, festive, and delicious side dish.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!