This creamy Latin pasta salad is bursting with vibrant flavors that make it the perfect side dish for any meal. With a tangy dressing made from lime, Dijon mustard, and a kick of chili powder, every bite is an explosion of zesty goodness. The fresh vegetables and peas add a lovely crunch, while the creamy dressing brings everything together for a smooth, flavorful experience.
Not only does this pasta salad taste incredible, but it also comes together in no time. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a refreshing summer side. Plus, the tangy kick of lime and spices pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it an ideal companion to any main course.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 pound rotini pasta
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1 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons lime juice
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon cumin
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
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1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
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1/2 cup red onion, chopped
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1 cup frozen peas
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1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, Dijon mustard, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
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Add the cooled pasta, red and green bell peppers, red onion, peas, and cilantro to the dressing. Stir until everything is well-coated.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste, and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Creamy Latin Pasta Salad: A Fresh and Zesty Delight
Pasta salad is a classic dish that graces many tables, especially during the warm months of the year when outdoor barbecues and picnics are in full swing. While the traditional versions may feature mayo-based dressings and simple ingredients, this Creamy Latin Pasta Salad takes the classic to the next level with vibrant flavors and a zesty twist. Combining a creamy dressing with the freshness of crisp vegetables, this pasta salad brings the bold and tangy flavors of Latin cuisine to your plate.
This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also offers versatility in terms of flavor and ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a crowd-pleasing potluck staple, this Latin-inspired pasta salad fits the bill perfectly.
A Flavorful Fusion of Ingredients
One of the reasons why this Creamy Latin Pasta Salad stands out from other pasta salads is its unique blend of flavors and textures. The base of the dish is rotini pasta, which provides a perfect surface for holding onto the creamy dressing. The pasta is complemented by crunchy bell peppers, sweet peas, and a dash of red onion, which all contribute to a delightful crunch and a variety of textures in every bite.
The creamy dressing is the star of the show. Made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and a touch of lime juice, it’s tangy, smooth, and perfectly balances the spices that define the Latin influence. Chili powder and cumin bring an aromatic, warm depth to the dish, while garlic powder adds a subtle richness. The Dijon mustard adds a mild tang that makes the dressing a little more complex and adds a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the vegetables.
But what makes this dish truly shine is the addition of fresh cilantro, which adds a refreshing herbal note to the overall flavor profile. Cilantro is a key herb in Latin cuisine, known for its bright and citrusy flavor that enhances the other ingredients.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Creamy Latin Pasta Salad is its versatility. It’s a perfect dish for a variety of occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to more formal events like potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings. It’s a refreshing, flavorful side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, making it a great addition to a summer barbecue menu.
Not only does it make for an excellent side dish, but it can also be served as a light lunch or a main course, especially if you add some protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp. You can even experiment by adding diced avocado for an extra creamy and rich texture, or throw in some black beans or corn for a heartier variation. The best part is that it’s easy to make ahead, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen after a few hours in the fridge.
Why This Salad is So Popular
The growing popularity of Latin-inspired dishes in recent years can be attributed to their bold flavors and bright, fresh ingredients. The Creamy Latin Pasta Salad is a perfect example of how you can take familiar ingredients, like pasta and vegetables, and infuse them with the exciting and vibrant tastes of Latin cuisine. It’s a fusion of comfort food and adventurous flavor, which is why so many people are drawn to it.
The balance of creamy and tangy elements in the dressing, combined with the crunch of fresh vegetables, makes each bite a delightful experience. The spices, though bold, aren’t overpowering, which allows the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine. This pasta salad is the perfect way to enjoy the best of both worlds comfort and flavor in one dish.
Making It Your Own
One of the beauties of Creamy Latin Pasta Salad is that it’s highly customizable. Depending on your dietary preferences or what you have in your fridge, you can make a few simple substitutions to suit your taste. For example, if you’re looking to make the salad a bit lighter, you can substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy, healthier alternative.
If you’re vegetarian or want to make the salad even more filling, adding black beans or corn can give it an extra boost of protein and fiber. Some variations also include adding chopped chicken, shrimp, or even crumbled bacon for a savory twist. You can experiment with different types of pasta too farfalle, penne, or fusilli all work just as well.
Additionally, if you’re a fan of spice, feel free to ramp up the chili powder or add a few slices of jalapeño to the salad. The dressing’s balance of flavors allows you to adjust the heat level to your liking without overpowering the other ingredients.
How to Serve It
When serving Creamy Latin Pasta Salad, it’s important to give it some time to chill in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as possible. Ideally, you should make it a few hours before your gathering or the day before to give it enough time to develop its full flavor.
This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of grilled dishes, such as chicken skewers, barbecued ribs, or grilled fish. The tangy and creamy dressing contrasts perfectly with smoky, charred meats, making it the ultimate companion to any barbecue spread.
If you’re serving it at a picnic or potluck, consider presenting it in a beautiful bowl and topping it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a little pop of color. You can also garnish with extra lime wedges, so guests can add an extra squeeze of freshness to their plates.
Health Benefits
While Creamy Latin Pasta Salad is undeniably delicious, it’s also a dish that you can feel good about eating. Pasta, especially whole grain varieties, provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy. The vegetables bell peppers, onions, and peas are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, the fresh cilantro offers detoxifying properties and aids in digestion.
The dressing, made with sour cream and mayonnaise, adds a creamy richness to the salad, but you can easily make it lighter by using lighter versions of those ingredients or substituting with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. The lime juice provides a burst of vitamin C, and the chili powder and cumin offer antioxidants that can help boost metabolism and digestion.
Conclusion:
Creamy Latin Pasta Salad is a flavorful and refreshing side dish that will surely become a favorite at your next gathering. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with vibrant flavors from Latin cuisine. Whether you serve it at a barbecue, potluck, or family dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests with its bold, zesty flavors and creamy texture. With a balance of tangy, spicy, and savory elements, it’s the perfect dish to complement any meal, and with a few adjustments, it can easily be tailored to your dietary preferences. The next time you’re looking for a simple yet exciting salad, this Latin-inspired pasta salad should definitely be on your menu.