17 Pasta Salad Recipes With Mexican Dressing

There’s something extra lively about pasta salads that capture Mexican cuisine’s bold, zesty flavors. From tangy lime juice and fresh cilantro to smoky chipotle and creamy avocado, each recipe here channels beloved southwestern ingredients to elevate your pasta beyond the usual run-of-the-mill salad.

Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners, these pasta salads take just a handful of basic ingredients and transform them into colorful, festive dishes with a distinctly Mexican twist.

Whether you’re craving a dairy-free option packed with veggies or a hearty meal with black beans and chicken, these 17 recipes prove that pasta salad plus Mexican dressing can result in truly crowd-pleasing meals.

1. Classic Tex-Mex Pasta Salad

All the Tex-Mex essentials—beans, corn, cilantro, and a vibrant dressing—make this Classic Tex-Mex Pasta Salad the perfect starter for any southwestern-inspired meal.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~20 minutes
• Servings: 4–5

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
2. 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
3. 1 cup corn kernels
4. 1 cup diced bell peppers
5. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
6. Salt, and pepper to taste
7. Mexican Dressing (approx. 1/2 cup):
8. 2 tablespoons lime juice
9. 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
10. 2 tablespoons olive oil
11. 1 teaspoon chili powder
12. 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta per package instructions; drain and cool under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, beans, corn, peppers, and cilantro.
3. Whisk dressing ingredients; season with salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle dressing over salad; toss gently. Chill before serving.

2. Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Creamy, tangy, and fresh, Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad delivers the richness of avocado in a dressing that melds perfectly with crunchy veggies and tender pasta.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~15–20 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli)
2. 1 cup diced tomatoes
3. 1/2 cup diced red onion (optional)
4. 1 cup black beans (drained, rinsed)
5. Mexican Dressing (Creamy Avocado):
6. 1 ripe avocado
7. 2 tablespoons lime juice
8. 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
9. Salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta; drain and rinse under cool water.
2. In a blender or bowl, mash avocado with lime juice, cilantro, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if desired.
3. Stir in tomatoes, onion, and beans with cooked pasta.
4. Fold avocado dressing into the salad gently. Serve immediately.

3. Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad

This Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad is smoky, satisfying, and spiced just right for fans of that signature Chipotle heat.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and cubed
2. 8 oz pasta (e.g., rotini)
3. 1 cup chopped bell peppers
4. 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack, optional)
5. Mexican Dressing (Chipotle):
6. 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
7. 1 tablespoon lime juice
8. 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (or minced chipotle in adobo)
9. Salt, pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta; drain and cool.
2. In a bowl, whisk dressing ingredients to desired spice level.
3. Combine chicken, peppers, optional cheese, and pasta; fold in chipotle dressing.
4. Chill for ~15 minutes or serve right away.

4. Street Corn Pasta Salad

Inspired by elote (Mexican street corn), Street Corn Pasta Salad tosses charred corn, cotija cheese, and a tangy dressing for a big flavor in every bite.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~20 minutes
• Servings: 4–5

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz small pasta (shells or elbow)
2. 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or charred in a skillet)
3. 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
4. 1/4 cup diced red onion (optional)
5. Mexican Dressing (approx. 1/2 cup):
6. 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Mexican crema
7. 1 tablespoon lime juice
8. 1 teaspoon chili powder
9. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta; drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, mix corn, optional onion, and pasta.
3. Stir mayo/crema, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine dressing with the salad; fold in cotija. Chill briefly.

5. Mango Jalapeño Pasta Salad

A sweet-spicy combo, Mango Jalapeño Pasta Salad balances the tropical sweetness of mango with the sharp heat of jalapeños, all enveloped in a limey dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~20 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz penne or rotini
2. 1 ripe mango, diced
3. 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (adjust spice to taste)
4. 1/4 cup diced red onion
5. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
6. Mexican Dressing (approx. 1/2 cup):
7. 2 tablespoons lime juice
8. 2 tablespoons olive oil
9. 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
10. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta; drain and cool.
2. In a bowl, combine mango, jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro with pasta.
3. Whisk lime juice, olive oil, optional sweetener, salt, and pepper; drizzle over salad.
4. Toss gently and serve chilled.

6. Mexican Macaroni Salad

The comfort of macaroni salad meets bold southwestern flavors in this Mexican Macaroni Salad—think black beans, spicy peppers, and a creamy sauce.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~20 minutes
• Servings: 4–5

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz elbow macaroni
2. 1 cup black beans, drained
3. 1/2 cup diced poblano or bell pepper
4. 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
5. Mexican Dressing (Creamy):
6. 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
7. 1 tablespoon lime juice
8. 1 teaspoon chili powder
9. Salt, pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook macaroni; drain and cool.
2. Combine pasta, beans, pepper, and optional onions in a bowl.
3. Stir dressing ingredients in another bowl.
4. Mix dressing into the salad; chill briefly to set flavors.

7. Southwest Tuna Pasta Salad

Lean tuna boosts the protein in this Southwest Tuna Pasta Salad, featuring crisp veggies and a bright chili-lime dressing for a balanced meal.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~15 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 6 oz short pasta (bowties or rotini)
2. 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
3. 1/2 cup corn kernels
4. 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
5. 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
6. Mexican Dressing (approx. 1/3 cup):
7. 1 tablespoon lime juice
8. 1 tablespoon olive oil
9. 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
10. Salt, and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta; drain and rinse.
2. In a bowl, combine pasta, tuna, corn, tomatoes, and peppers.
3. Whisk dressing ingredients; pour over mixture.
4. Toss and serve cold.

8. Jalapeño Ranch Pasta Salad

For a creamy tang with a subtle kick, Jalapeño Ranch Pasta Salad blends a ranch-style sauce with chopped jalapeños and southwestern toppings.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~15–20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz shell pasta
2. 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
3. 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
4. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
5. Mexican Dressing (Jalapeño Ranch):
6. 1/2 cup ranch dressing (light if desired)
7. 1 tablespoon lime juice
8. 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta; drain and cool under cold water.
2. In a bowl, whisk ranch, lime juice, cilantro. Stir in diced jalapeño if more heat is desired.
3. Add pasta, peppers, and tomatoes; fold in dressing.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

9. Taco Pasta Salad with Ground Beef

A heartier meal, Taco Pasta Salad includes seasoned ground beef, crunchy lettuce, and a spicy dressing reminiscent of a classic taco night.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz pasta (rotini or shells)
2. 1/2 lb ground beef, browned with taco seasoning
3. 1 cup shredded lettuce
4. 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
5. 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
6. Mexican Dressing (approx. 1/2 cup):
7. 2 tablespoons sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
8. 2 tablespoons salsa
9. 1 tablespoon lime juice
10. Salt, and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta; drain and rinse.
2. Meanwhile, brown ground beef with taco seasoning. Let cool slightly.
3. Combine pasta, beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and optional cheese in a large bowl.
4. Whisk dressing; fold into salad. Serve with tortilla chips if desired.

10. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Inspired by the beloved street treat, Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad merges charred corn, cilantro, chili, and pasta for a tangy, creamy medley.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz penne pasta
2. 2 cups corn kernels (grilled or charred)
3. 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
4. 1/4 cup cotija or feta cheese (optional)
5. Mexican Dressing (Creamy Chili-Lime):
6. 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or crema
7. 1 tablespoon lime juice
8. 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
9. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta; drain and let cool.
2. Combine corn, cilantro, and optional cheese with pasta.
3. Stir dressing ingredients; toss in salad. Chill briefly.

11. Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Pasta Salad

Heat things up with Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Pasta Salad, pairing succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a robust chipotle-lime dressing.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~20 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz fusilli pasta
2. 1/2 lb cooked shrimp
3. 1 cup diced bell peppers
4. 1/4 cup red onion (optional)
5. Mexican Dressing (Chipotle-Lime):
6. 2 tablespoons lime juice
7. 2 tablespoons olive oil
8. 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder or adobo sauce
9. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta; drain under cold water.
2. Toss pasta with shrimp, peppers, and optional onion.
3. Whisk dressing ingredients; coat salad.
4. Chill ~15 minutes before serving.

12. Avocado Macaroni Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

Avocado Macaroni Salad merges creamy avocado chunks with a bright cilantro-lime dressing and the subtle comfort of macaroni.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~15 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz elbow macaroni
2. 1 ripe avocado, diced
3. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 1/4 cup diced red onion (optional)
5. Mexican Dressing (Cilantro-Lime):
6. 2 tablespoons lime juice
7. 1 tablespoon olive oil
8. 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
9. Salt, and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook macaroni; cool under cold water.
2. Combine pasta, avocado, tomatoes, and optional onion in a bowl.
3. Whisk dressing; stir gently into salad.
4. Serve immediately to avoid avocado browning.

13. Black Bean Tortellini Salad

Tortellini meets southwestern flavors in Black Bean Tortellini Salad, offering a fun spin on typical Tex-Mex pasta combos.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~15 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

1. 10–12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2. 1 cup black beans, drained
3. 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
4. 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
5. Mexican Dressing (approx. 1/2 cup):
6. 2 tablespoons lime juice
7. 2 tablespoons olive oil
8. 1 teaspoon chili powder
9. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook tortellini as directed; drain and cool.
2. In a bowl, combine tortellini, beans, peppers, and tomatoes.
3. Mix dressing ingredients; pour over.
4. Toss gently and serve cold.

14. Tomato, Corn, and Jalapeño Pasta Salad

Juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and a hint of jalapeño deliver southwestern flair in this Tomato, Corn, and Jalapeño Pasta Salad—a sweet-spicy balance.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~15–20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
2. 1 cup diced tomatoes
3. 1 cup corn kernels
4. 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional or to taste)
5. Mexican Dressing (approx. 1/3 cup):
6. 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
7. 2 tablespoons olive oil
8. Salt, pepper, chopped cilantro

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta; drain and cool.
2. In a bowl, combine pasta with tomatoes, corn, and jalapeño.
3. Whisk dressing; toss into the salad. Chill briefly.

15. Creamy Southwest Pasta Salad with Chicken

Packed with protein from chicken and black beans, this Creamy Southwest Pasta Salad stands as a complete meal or hearty potluck favorite.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~20 minutes
• Servings: 4–5

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz spiral pasta
2. 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
3. 1 cup black beans, drained
4. 1/2 cup corn
5. 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
6. Mexican Dressing (Creamy):
7. 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
8. 1 tablespoon lime juice
9. 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
10. Salt, and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta; drain and rinse.
2. In a bowl, mix dressing ingredients.
3. Toss pasta, chicken, beans, corn, and peppers with dressing.
4. Chill for ~15 minutes, then serve.

16. Spicy Taco Pasta Salad

Combine the comfort of pasta with bold taco elements—spicy sauce, crisp lettuce, and shredded cheese—in this Spicy Taco Pasta Salad.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz shells or elbow pasta
2. 1 cup shredded lettuce
3. 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
4. 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack)
5. Mexican Dressing (Taco-Inspired):
6. 2 tablespoons salsa
7. 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
8. 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
9. Salt, and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta; drain and let cool.
2. Whisk dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese; stir in dressing.
4. Adjust seasoning; chill before serving.

17. Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad

The tanginess of ranch meets smooth avocado in this Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad, bringing southwestern flair with minimal fuss.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: ~15–20 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

Ingredients:

1. 8 oz bowtie pasta
2. 1 ripe avocado, diced
3. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 1/2 cup ranch dressing
5. 1 tablespoon lime juice
6. Salt, pepper, chopped cilantro (optional)

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta; drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a bowl, gently combine pasta, avocado, and tomatoes.
3. Stir ranch dressing, lime juice, salt, pepper, and optional cilantro together; add to salad.
4. Serve immediately to keep the avocado from discoloring.