Southwestern Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
Spice up your tables and tantalize your taste buds with a delightful dish – the Southwestern Pasta Salad! This recipe is a confluence of vibrant flavors, infused with a wholesome goodness of fresh ingredients. Easy to make and a wonder for your palate, this appetizing pasta salad is an ideal addition to your meals.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Why Make This Recipe
The Southwestern Pasta Salad brings a stimulating mix of tastes offering a unique blend of ingredients which are not only healthy, but also form a colorful, textured and scrumptious salad. Quick to assemble, this pasta salad can refresh your lunch meals, be the star of your potluck, or serve as a fuss-free dinner menu.
How to Make Southwestern Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
– 8 oz (225g) rotini pasta
– 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Juice of 1 lime
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Cook the pasta as per instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cool running water. Set it aside for later use.
2. In a spacious bowl, mix black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
3. For the dressing, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a smaller bowl.
4. Now, add the cooked pasta into the vegetables bowl, pour over the prepared dressing, and toss gently until all components are well combined.
5. Before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the salad.
How to Serve Southwestern Pasta Salad
Serve this colorful and fresh pasta salad as a refreshing side dish during the warmer months, or as the main meal for light eaters. Pair it with some crusty bread or steamed rice for a rounded meal.
How to Store Southwestern Pasta Salad
To retain the freshness of the pasta salad, you can store it in a tight-lid container in the refrigerator. It is advised to use it within two days.
Tips to Make Southwestern Pasta Salad
Ensure to rinse the pasta after cooking to prevent it from sticking while you prepare other ingredients. If you cannot source fresh ingredients, frozen or canned ingredients can work just as fine.
Variations (if any)
For some extra tanginess, add a spoonful of vinegar in the dressing. If you prefer a twist of sweetness, chopped mango or pineapple can be an interesting addition.
FAQs
1. Can I use any other variety of pasta for this salad?
Yes, any small or medium-sized pasta can be used in place of rotini.
2. Is there a substitute for black beans?
You can use kidney beans or chickpeas as per your taste and availability.
3. What can be used in place of cilantro?
In case cilantro is not available or you don’t prefer it, use flat-leaf parsley instead.