Southwest Pasta Salad

This Southwest Pasta Salad is a travel-friendly, make-ahead lunch that’s perfect for RV living. It’s hearty enough to fill you up, refreshing when served cold, and uses simple pantry staples plus fresh veggies. Whether you’re picnicking at a scenic overlook or grabbing a quick bite between adventures, this chilled salad is easy to store in your RV fridge and ready whenever you are. Minimal prep, zero cooking at mealtime, and no messy cleanup — exactly what RV life calls for in the summertime!

 Prep Time: About 15 minutes (while the pasta cooks, you can chop veggies and prep the other ingredients)
Chill Time (recommended): 30 minutes (for best flavor, but you can serve immediately if needed)

Ingredients:

▢ 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne work best)

▢ 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

▢ 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)

▢ 1 red bell pepper, diced

▢ ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

▢ ½ to ¾ cup ranch dressing or Southwest-style dressing

▢ Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, squeeze of lime, or sliced jalapeños for extra zing

Directions:

• Cook Pasta: Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
• Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, black beans, corn, diced red pepper, and chopped cilantro.
• Add Dressing: Pour in the dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated. Adjust the amount to your preferred creaminess.
• Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and keep it nice and cold.
• Serve: Enjoy straight from the fridge! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.✨ RV Tip: Make a big batch before hitting the road and portion into single-serve containers for grab-and-go lunches at the campsite or during a roadside stop.