Southwest Ruffle Salad
A vibrant Southwest Ruffle Salad featuring pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cilantro-lime dressing, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, milk, lime juice, chopped jalapeno pepper, and salt.
- Add pasta ruffles, diced tomatoes, chopped yellow bell pepper, sliced zucchini, and chopped green onions; toss to coat well.
- Cover and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before chopping. Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like corn or black beans for extra nutrition. This salad can also be made ahead of time; just allow the flavors to meld in the fridge before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with Cream Cheese Burritos or can be enjoyed alongside grilled chicken for a complete meal. Garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh the salad, you may want to add a splash of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream before serving. Avoid freezing the salad, as the texture of the vegetables and pasta may suffer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Ruffle Salad contains roughly 352 calories, with 7g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (194% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1137mg per serving (49% 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?
Yes, you can substitute pasta ruffles with any short pasta shape like rotini or penne. Just ensure to cook the pasta al dente to maintain its texture when mixed with the other ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This Southwest Ruffle Salad is entirely vegetarian, making it a great option for those following a vegetarian diet. You can also add more vegetables or beans to enhance its nutritional value.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add more heat, include additional chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing. Alternatively, consider adding diced serrano peppers or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
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).