Are you looking for a delicious and healthy dinner option that everyone will love? Look no further than Santa Fe Pasta Salad! This zesty dish is packed full of nutritious ingredients like scallion, black beans, corn kernels, baby spinach, grape tomatoes, sweet red pepper and Greek yogurt. Topped with a flavorful lime juice, olive oil and spice dressing, this easy-to-make pasta salad is sure to become a staple in your healthy recipes repertoire. Try it tonight for a flavorful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be a chore, and with the abundance of delicious Healthy Recipes out there, it’s easy to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying delicious, satisfying meals. With a little creativity, you can take simple ingredients and turn them into something truly amazing. Whether you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian dish, a protein-packed salad, or a tasty smoothie, there’s a healthy recipe out there that’s perfect for you! So, don’t feel like you have to sacrifice flavor when it comes to eating well – with the right recipes, you can have it all!
This salad is sentimental for me because my mom used to make it all the time before she succumbed to a glioblastoma brain tumor. I like to have some carbs in my salads so I added pasta, but you can totally make this without pasta if you wish! The original recipe she made used romaine lettuce, which is also filling and full of vitamins.
Why are Black Beans so Healthy?
Black beans are a superfood that we should all be incorporating into our diets more often. There is so much magnesium in black beans and they are very rich in many different nutrients. You can get 30% of your recommended daily intake of magnesium from ONE CUP of black beans!
They’re also low in fat and cholesterol and have been shown to help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and even aid in weight loss. It’s not hard to see why black beans are so healthy!
I love making meals with black beans, even if it’s just a cheese quesadilla. Whether you’re adding them to your favorite soup or salad, or making a delicious black bean dip, incorporating these amazing little beans into your meals is a no-brainer when it comes to staying healthy and feeling great.
What is the Santa Fe Salad Dressing?
Looking for a healthy and delicious salad dressing? Look no further than Santa Fe Salad Dressing with Greek yogurt! This oh-so-creamy dressing packs a punch of flavor with its blend of tangy Greek yogurt, zesty lime juice, and savory spices like paprika, chili powder and garlic. It’s the perfect addition to any salad, giving your greens a burst of southwestern flair. Plus, with Greek yogurt as its base, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional dressings, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
I am not a fan of yogurt, and anyone who knows me knows this, but I love this dressing. Trust me, once you try this Santa Fe Salad Dressing with Greek yogurt, you’ll never go back to boring, bland dressings again!
What’s the Best Pasta to Use for Pasta Salad?
When it comes to pasta salad, the type of pasta you choose can make all the difference. Some pasta shapes hold up better in dressings and marinades, while others tend to get soggy or fall apart. Also, some people have personal preferences.
So, what’s the best pasta to use for pasta salad? Well, a great option is fusilli. This spiral-shaped pasta is perfect for holding onto chunks of veggies and other ingredients, allowing for maximum flavor and texture in every bite. Plus, its unique shape makes it visually appealing and adds a fun element to your dish.
Another great option is farfalle, also known as bowtie pasta. This shape adds a bit of elegance to your pasta salad and holds dressing well. Whatever pasta you choose, be sure to cook it al dente and rinse it under cold water before mixing in your other ingredients. A perfectly cooked pasta is key to a delicious pasta salad!
Delicious Santa Fe Recipes
How Do You Keep Pasta Salad Moist?
If you’re a pasta salad lover like me, you know how frustrating it can be when your delicious dish turns out dry and lackluster. But fear not, there are some simple tricks to keep your pasta salad moist and flavorful. First, don’t rinse your pasta after cooking it. This washes away the starches that help the dressing cling to the noodles. Next, make sure to add the dressing to your pasta salad while the noodles are still warm.
This allows the dressing to seep into the pasta, giving it a deeper flavor and retaining moisture. I’ve made this before when I thought I was being clever and made the pasta ahead of time and let it sit separately from the veggies and then the salad was pretty dry even with the dressing on it!
Finally, consider adding some juicy ingredients to your salad, such as cut cherry tomatoes or cucumbers, to add extra moisture and texture. I didn’t put cucumbers in this salad or cut the tomatoes but these are some great ideas to try!
Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to a perfectly moist and delicious pasta salad every time!
More Healthy Black Bean Recipes
- Vegetarian Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
- Super Quick and Delicious Vegan Black Bean Salad
- Garden Fresh Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe
- Instant Pot Beans and Rice Recipe
Healthy Santa Fe Pasta Salad Recipe
Upgrade your dinner with a nutritious Santa Fe Pasta Salad! This delicious dish is a healthy and hearty dinner option that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 6 oz cooked spiral pasta
- 1 medium scallion minced
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained, or dry beans, soaked and boiled
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 cup baby spinach diced
- 2 cups sliced grape tomatoes or diced fresh tomato
- 1 medium sweet red pepper, diced
- 1 cup greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the pasta as directed.
- Prepare the vegetables and beans and add to a large bowl. When pasta has cooled, add to vegetables and beans.
- Prepare dressing with the greek yogurt, lime juice, oil and spices. Mix well.
- When ready to serve pour dressing over the salad. Enjoy!
Looks great! I love southwest flavors and am always looking for a new way to incorporate them. Pinning this to try in the next week or so!
I like the black beans added to the pasta.