Southwest Pasta Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing

This easy Southwest Pasta Salad could be a meal all on its own! Loaded with great southwest ingredients like, beans, corn, peppers, cilantro, and much more. All dressed with the creamiest Avocado Ranch Dressing.
Jump to Recipe
I don’t think I’ve ever come across a pasta salad I didn’t enjoy. There are so many variations with delicious dressings to go with them. They are easy to make and most people love pasta salad, so it’s usually a safe dish to share with others.
Southwest Pasta Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing is probably my top 3 favorite pasta salads right now. It has tons, and I mean tons of goodies like corn, beans, olives, cheese, cilantro, tomatoes and peppers. It’s dressed with a thick and creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing that has a bold zesty flavor everyone will love.

Ingredients For Southwest Pasta Salad with Avocado Dressing:
For the salad-
- Spiral pasta
- Black beans
- Corn
- Bell peppers
- Red onion
- Cilantro
- Black olives
- Tomatoes
- Cheddar cheese
For the dressing-
- Avocado
- Plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- Ranch mix or 1 tablespoon Homemade
- Chili powder
- Lime
- Avocado oil
- Honey
- Cilantro
- White vinegar
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
Add Shredded Chicken For A Complete Meal:
This salad is great as is. Try adding extra protein like shredded rotisserie chicken for a complete and filling meal.
Want it spicy?
Add a small chopped jalapeno, seeded, and membranes removed for a little extra heat.
Making Southwest Pasta Salad is Easy and fast:
Step 1. Add Avocado Ranch Dressing ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until thick and creamy. For a thinner dressing add a splash of water.
Step 2. Combine pasta salad ingredients with half of the avocado dressing in a large bowl until pasta and veggies are well coated. Use more dressing as needed.

Storing Pasta Salad:
Refrigerate pasta salad in a sealed container until ready to eat. Toss again with a little more dressing just before serving.
We love to serve this salad with grilled chicken or burgers, or make a batch to enjoy during the weekday for easy lunches.
Other recipes you might enjoy:
- Pasta Primavera
- Bruschetta Pasta Salad with Sweet Balsamic Dressing
- Easy Cauliflower Salad (low carb)
Rate The Recipe⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I appreciate your comments and reviews! Be sure to leave a comment or rating below for suggestions, questions, or if you make the recipe. I’d love to know how it turned out for you!
Let’s eat!🤍

Southwest Pasta Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 12 oz spiral pasta (or medium shaped pasta) cooked according to package instructions.
- 1 (15oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup canned or thawed frozen corn
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced small (any color)
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced small
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 2.5 oz can sliced black olives
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Avocado Dressing
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp powdered ranch mix
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1 lime, juiced
- 4 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- pinch of cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
Avocado Dressing
- Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Place in fridge until ready to use.
Pasta Salad
- Add cooked pasta to a large bowl and add all the pasta salad ingredients. Pour about 1/2 to 3/4 of the avocado dressing over the top and toss gently until well coated. Use more dressing if needed. Serve immediately or place in fridge until ready to serve.
- Pasta salad will keep for 2-3 days in refrigerator, Add more dressing if desired.
Notes
AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER:
Please note that some of the links on my website are affiliate links. Meaning, I receive a commission if you decide to purchase through my links at no extra cost to you! The product links at the bottom of my posts are products I’ve used and/or recommend.
-
Easy Coconut Rice
This light, fluffy, and Easy Coconut Rice recipe made with creamy coconut milk, water, and a subtle touch of cinnamon. A perfect side dish to go along side many cuisines. It is no secret around here that we are big fans of rice. I’ve shared…
-
Crispy Chicken Patties
Easy homemade Crispy Chicken Patties are a family favorite with endless ways to enjoy them. These perfectly seasoned patties are juicy on the inside with a super crunchy outside. You’ll never want store-bought chicken patties again! I am always thrilled to share my recipes with…