Mexican pasta salad is the new best twist to the classic Italian salad! Consider this an Italian-Mexican fusion. Pasta salad recipes are perfect for the warmer months when you want a hearty side dish without it being hot.
Lately, I have been on a Tajin seasoning kick. It is a seasoning blend that has the perfect lime to pepper ratio, use it sparingly since it is powerful. We love it on our Mexican street corn, in our deviled eggs with bacon, Mexican elotes, and for the perfect twist on popcorn!
What is Mexican Pasta Salad?
Remember, this is our favorite Italian pasta salad recipe, twisted to be more Mexican. I will be working on a more traditional Mexican pasta salad soon!
For our version of this spicy Mexican pasta salad, we are using short noodles (tri-colored rotini), Italian dressing, pepperoni slices, green bell peppers, red onions, tomatoes, pepper jack and colby cheese chunks, thin sliced radishes, crumbled Mexican cheese, and Tajin seasoning.
You are more than welcomed to change the ingredients to create your own version of this Mexican pasta salad, but this is an amazing pasta salad recipe as is.
Should this Mexican pasta salad recipe be served cold?
Yes, you want your Mexican pasta salad to marinate in the fridge for at least half an hour before serving. Also, since this pasta salad recipe has cheese in it, it is best to keep it refrigerated.
How long can I store my Mexican pasta salad?
If you store your Mexican pasta salad in a container with a tight fitting lid, in the refrigerator, it can last up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze leftover Mexican pasta salad?
Pasta salad, should not be frozen, in my opinion. I would refrigerate it for a few days if possible, or make a smaller batch if desired before freezing your Mexican pasta salad.
How To Make Mexican Pasta Salad
To make this easy Mexican pasta salad, you're going to cook your noodles as directed, and then in a very large bowl, toss all of your ingredients together! Mix it gently to coat completely and refrigerate a minimum of half an hour to allow the Mexican pasta salad to cool completely and for the flavors to infuse.
This Mexican pasta salad is so good, right up there with my favorite Puerto Rican shrimp potato salad recipe, and our chayote tuna salad recipe!
What to eat with this easy Mexican pasta salad recipe
If you're looking for a light dinner, this can totally pass for dinner with a side salad, but here are some of my favorite recipes that will pair well with this tasty Mexican pasta salad recipe.
- Cuban Pernil (Roasted Pork)
- Spanish Rice
- Barbacoa Tacos
- White Rice and Corn
- Pineapple mango smoothie
- Papaya Smoothie
Spicy Mexican Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz of tri-color noodles
- 1 ⁄2 cup of Zesty Italian dressing
- 1 ⁄2 cup of pepperoni (chopped)
- 1 ⁄2 small onion (chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 4 oz of pepper jack cheese (finely chopped)
- 4 oz of colby cheese (finely chopped)
- 4-6 grape tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 radishes (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup of crumbled cotija cheese
adhyayan says
this looks delicious
Diligent Chef says
I love how simple this salad is to put together and great for taking for lunches at work. Great variety of colors and flavors. I made it a few days ago and all my family loved it! Thank you, Neyssa, for sharing this with us!