Pecos Pasta Salad
A vibrant, flavorful pasta salad featuring colorful spiral pasta, fresh vegetables, and zesty lime and cilantro, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine cooked pasta, green onions, diced tomato, chopped green chilies, sliced black olives, thawed corn, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and picante sauce. Stir to blend well.
- Add enough mayonnaise to coat all salad ingredients thoroughly.
- Refrigerate to let flavors meld before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavors, consider marinating the salad in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before serving. You can substitute the picante sauce with salsa for a different flavor profile. If you want a creamier texture, try adding Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can also be delightful alternatives to cilantro or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. For a light meal, serve it with a side of crusty bread or alongside Vegetable Soup Made With Ground Beef for a heartier option. Garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges for an attractive presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Pecos Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may absorb some moisture, so you might want to add a little extra mayonnaise or lime juice when serving leftovers. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may not hold up well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecos Pasta Salad contains roughly 168 calories, with 8g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (175% of the Daily Value), iron (56% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 780mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While multi-colored spiral pasta adds a fun visual element, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just ensure it is cooked al dente for the best texture in the salad.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the mayonnaise or using a vegan mayo alternative. Additionally, ensure the picante sauce is free of animal products, which is usually the case, but always check the label just to be sure.
How can I make this salad spicier?
For those who enjoy a kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the salad mix. You can also increase the amount of picante sauce or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for added heat. Adjust the spice level to your taste preference!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).