Easy Mexican Pasta Salad

This easy Mexican Pasta Salad recipe is dressed with a simple homemade Jalapeno Lime Dressing making it a summer side dish MUST. All colors of sweet peppers, red onion, fresh tomatoes, and black olives make this one festively themed salad.

One of my favorite summer side dishes has always been a cold pasta salad. Not so much the mayo-laden ones, but the ones showered with Italian dressing. They feel light on a hot day, despite the abundance of carbs. Easy assembly is also a plus, as is the creative freedom over what ingredients to include. 

I never really tire of the classic Italian versions, but when I want to mix it up, a Mexican-style pasta salad offers a festive alternative. Plus, fresh veggies and a homemade Jalapeno Lime Dressing make this a refreshing, healthy-ish salad.  

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Unique flavors: Incorporating ingredients like fresh onion, sweet peppers, and tomatoes, alongside a zesty jalapeno lime dressing introduces a Mexican-inspired twist to traditional pasta salads.
• Easy preparation: This Mexican pasta salad uses basic ingredients and the simple recipe steps make it convenient for both novice and experienced cooks to execute. For the best results, prepare this easy Mexican Pasta Salad a few hours before serving; it gives the pasta time to soak up that delicious homemade jalapeno lime dressing.
• Make-ahead convenience: This is the perfect make 24-hours in advance recipe, making it super convenient for bringing along to picnics and pot-lucks. Plus, the salad's flavors enhance as they meld together over time. You can also prep the ingredients and the Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette a day or two in advance if necessary. There's no need to be trying to furiously chop vegetables and cook pasta when you should be making sure to remember to pack sunscreen before you hit your next picnic. 

Ingredients

• Rotini pasta - I insist that there is only one correct pasta to use here - tri-colored rotini pasta. If you’re not using tri-colored rotini pasta, are you even living your best summer? It’s festive AF! But you can also use a similar pasta shape, like corkscrew-shaped fusili or farfalle, the bowtie-shaped pasta. By the way, if you like pasta salads, give this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad a try!
• Red onion - A little finely diced red onion goes a long way towards giving this cold pasta salad its Mexican flair.
• Sweet mini peppers - I like to use a mix of colors to make the salad pop. I used 3 red and 3 yellow sweet mini peppers. You can find sweet mini peppers packaged in bags in the produce section of grocery stores.
• Black olives - Buttery black olives, sliced, are non-negotiable for me, but you could leave them out if you aren't a fan.
• Cherry tomatoes - Hit up your local Farmer's Market or grow your own for the best results; otherwise reach for some NatureSweet Glorys or similar for this pasta salad.
• Jalapeno - You only need one finely diced jalapeno here, just make sure to remove the seeds and the pith to tame the heat.
• Feta or Cotija cheese - Some crumbly cheese adds welcome umami and salt.
• Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette - Hit the link to check out the full recipe, along with serving suggestions and other useful tips. I've provided just the recipe below.

A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below - keep scrolling!

Jalapeno Lime Dressing Recipe

To make a homemade jalapeno lime dressing you will need the following ingredients:

• 10 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 jalapenos, seeded
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

1. Add all ingredients except the extra virgin olive oil to a blender. Blend for 20 seconds.
2. With the blender still running, drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Blend an additional 5-10 seconds once all the oil has been added.

*Makes around ¾ cup Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette.

Pasta Salad Recipe Substitutions

Here are a few easy suggested swaps you can make to this recipe.

• Red Onion - Shallots work well, as do yellow onions.
• Sweet peppers - Go ahead and use any color of bell pepper you'd like.
• Jalapeno - Leave it out if you'd prefer to avoid the heat, or you could use another type of spicy pepper, like a serrano.
• Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette - If you'd prefer to use another type of dressing, go for it! Just make sure you replace it with an equivalent amount, ¾ cup. Try this Cilantro Lime Dressing instead if you'd rather opt for a prepared dressing. If you enjoy this Jalapeno Lime Dressing, I think you'll also like this Top Ramen Salad, which uses a similar dressing.

Mexican Pasta Salad Add-Ins

Give this salad a twist by mixing up the ingredients, but keep it in line with the Mexican theme. Try adding:

• Corn - try roasting it first!
• Black or pinto beans
• Avocado
• Cilantro or parsley
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded chicken or pork
• Shredded Iceberg lettuce - add right before serving to preserve that crunch.
• Tortilla strips - add right before serving to preserve that crunch.

How to Make Mexican Pasta Salad - Directions

You've got the ingredients prepped and ready to go and the Jalapeno Lime Dressing ready. Here's how you make this festive pasta salad.

1. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. I like to cook my pasta to slightly al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Don't forget to salt the water!
2. Rinse pasta under cold running water when it's finished cooking. Let drain.
3. Add the pasta, red onion, sweet peppers, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and jalapeno to a large bowl.
4. Pour 80% of the Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette over the pasta. Fold gently until well combined. Reserve the other 20% of the vinaigrette.
5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to let the flavors meld.
6. Before serving, add the remaining vinaigrette and stir. Serve topped with feta or cotija cheese (optional).

Recipe FAQs

Perfect Pairings

Try serving this recipe with these dishes!