Description
A quick and easy Mexican Pasta Salad packed with flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 2 limes
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and avocado. Halve the cherry tomatoes and prepare the corn if needed.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, black beans, tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more lime juice or spices based on your preference.
- Chill: If time allows, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Just before serving, add the diced avocado for extra creaminess (if using).
Notes
- If using canned corn, rinse it well before adding.
- This salad can be made a day in advance; just wait to add the avocado until right before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg