Zesty Citrus Taco Pasta Salad

Name: Zesty Citrus Taco Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces of rotini pasta; 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 bell pepper, diced (any color); 1 avocado, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice of 2 limes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Recipes

I love making this Zesty Citrus Taco Pasta Salad for gatherings! The combination of crunchy vegetables, zesty citrus, and hearty pasta makes it a perfect dish that everyone enjoys. I find the flavors are vibrant and refreshing, and it's a wonderful way to use up any extra veggies you have on hand. Plus, this salad is quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, which makes entertaining a breeze. Try it out at your next barbecue and watch it disappear!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-02T00:10:29.071Z

Whenever I prepare this Zesty Citrus Taco Pasta Salad, I am taken back to fun summer days filled with laughter and flavor. The burst of fresh citrus mixed with taco-inspired spices brings a unique twist to the traditional pasta salad. I love to experiment with different beans and seasonal vegetables, which allows me to tailor the dish based on what's available.

One of my favorite tricks is to let the salad sit for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a salad that is even more delicious. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Vibrant citrus flavor balanced with savory taco spices
Easy to prepare and great for meal prepping
Colorful and appealing presentation for gatherings

      

Ingredient Insights

The choice of rotini pasta in this salad is not just for its appealing spiral shape; it also provides the perfect surface area for the zesty dressing to cling to. You can easily swap in other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne, but be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific type you're using. Aim for al dente to maintain a pleasant texture that stands up to the crunch of the fresh vegetables.

Black beans add not only a hearty protein boost but also a creamy texture that complements the crisp veggies. If you prefer to use a different protein, consider chickpeas or shredded rotisserie chicken. Rinsing the beans is crucial to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid that might affect the salad's taste. You can also prepare dried beans ahead of time for a fresher result.

Dressing Dynamics

The dressing for this salad plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors. Fresh lime juice contributes bright acidity, which is essential to offset the richer ingredients like avocado and black beans. If you find limes out of season or too sour, you can substitute with lemon juice, but start with a smaller amount and adjust to your liking since it can vary in tartness.

For additional depth, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing for a hint of tanginess. Whisking the ingredients in a bowl ensures a uniform mixture, but you could also use a jar with a lid and shake until combined. Just be careful not to over-mix; you want the oil to emulsify without breaking down into a separate layer.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your Zesty Citrus Taco Pasta Salad:

Ingredients

8 ounces of rotini pasta
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all these fresh ingredients for a lively salad experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Zesty Citrus Taco Pasta Salad:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool down.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Combine Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked pasta, black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.

Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Ensure everything is well-coated with the zesty dressing.

Chill and Serve

Let the salad sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Enjoy your deliciously vibrant citrus-infused salad!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite ingredients like diced jalapeños for a kick or shredded cheese for added richness.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best aspects of this Zesty Citrus Taco Pasta Salad is its ability to be made ahead of time. Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to add the avocado until just before serving to prevent it from browning. Store the salad in an airtight container to keep it fresh, and consider placing a piece of plastic wrap directly on the salad before sealing the container, which helps maintain moisture and crispness.

If you’re planning to serve it at a gathering, a quick toss before serving can help reinvigorate the flavors. If the pasta absorbs too much of the dressing, you might need to drizzle in a touch more olive oil or lime juice to loosen it up, giving it that fresh taste again without the need for a complete remaking.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a standalone meal or as a delightful side dish alongside grilled meats or fish. To make it heartier, try topping the salad with grilled shrimp or chicken. For a vegetarian option, crumbled feta or cotija cheese sprinkled on top will add a nice saltiness that complements the tangy flavors beautifully.

Serving it in individual cups or jars can add a fun twist for parties, allowing guests to enjoy their servings easily. You can even layer the ingredients in the containers for an eye-catching presentation that highlights the vibrant colors within the salad.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It can be made up to a day in advance. Just wait to add the avocado until right before serving to keep it fresh.

→ What can I substitute for black beans?

You can use chickpeas or kidney beans if you prefer a different flavor or texture.

→ How long will the salad last in the fridge?

This salad can last up to 3 days in the fridge. Just keep it stored in an airtight container.

→ Is this salad vegan?

Yes! All the ingredients in this salad are plant-based and vegan-friendly.