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Loaded Taco Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Creamy Chipotle Dressing for Summer

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A fresh and satisfying pasta salad with smoky, spicy creamy chipotle dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or shell pasta
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside to drain well.
  2. While the pasta cooks, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Adjust heat by adding more chipotle if desired.
  3. Dice 1 small red bell pepper, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, finely chop 1/2 cup red onion, and roughly chop 1/4 cup fresh cilantro. Rinse and drain 1 cup canned black beans and 1 cup canned corn kernels.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and cilantro. Pour the creamy chipotle dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. It can be served immediately but chilling enhances flavor and texture.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and taste. Adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Optionally, garnish with extra cilantro or hot sauce.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Blend chipotle peppers into dressing for smooth texture and even heat. Add cheese just before serving to maintain texture. Salad can be made ahead by preparing dressing and veggies a day before and tossing before serving. For dairy-free, substitute mayo with vegan mayo and sour cream with coconut yogurt. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta salad, creamy chipotle dressing, summer salad, easy pasta salad, black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, smoky dressing

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/loaded-taco-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-chipotle-dressing-for-summer/