Southwest Pasta Salad Easiest Recipe Ever:- Because it is a lovely blend of vibrant tastes and textures that have been combined, Southwest Pasta Salad is a fantastic choice if you are looking for a dish that is perfect for any occasion. This is because it is a dish that has been combined. This dish is a combination of the essence of Southwestern cuisine with the warm familiarity of pasta salad, which results in a dish that is both energizing and gratifying. The goal behind this dinner is to mix the two elements.
Southwest Pasta Salad Easiest Recipe Ever
The final product of this method is a dish that combines the two components in a harmonious manner. This Southwest Pasta Salad is sure to become a favorite of yours to add to your collection of dishes since it is loaded with vibrant vegetables, beans that are high in protein, powerful pasta, and a vinaigrette that is spicy. You may add this salad to your collection of meals. Regardless of whether it is served as a side dish at a summer barbecue or enjoyed as a light lunch on a day when the temperature is high, there is no question that this salad will be warmly greeted. This is the case regardless of the context in which it is consumed.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Before beginning to cook the pasta, it is essential that a big pot of salted water be brought to a boil. This should be done before commencing the cooking process. Following the instructions that are printed on the package, continue cooking the pasta until it reaches the al dente stage. This should be done until the pasta reaches the desired consistency.
- After the pasta has been cooked, it must be drained and washed under cold water before the cooking process can be deemed completely finished. The next step is an important one. Take a break till a later time of day.
- In order to make the dressing, you need first put the olive oil, lime juice, honey, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper into a small dish and whisk them together. This will ensure that all of the components are well blended.
- Performing this action will guarantee that the components are thoroughly mixed together. Take a break till a later time of day.
- The pasta that has been cooked, the black beans, the corn kernels, the sliced bell peppers, the cherry tomatoes, the red onion, and the cilantro that has been cut should all be mixed together in a large mixing dish.
- Following the pouring of the dressing over the pasta and veggies, these components ought to be gently combined in order to guarantee that everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- When using these ingredients, you should combine crumbled feta cheese and diced avocado into the mixture in a gradual manner. If you are using these items, add them to the mixture.
- After the tasting of the salad has been completed, make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning by adding additional salt, pepper, or lime juice. It is important to do this.
- Once the salad has been covered and placed in the refrigerator, it should be left there for at least half an hour. Consequently, this will make it possible for the flavors to converge and become more strong.
- It is important to give the salad one last toss before serving it to ensure that the dressing and toppings are distributed equally throughout the salad.
- If you want to garnish the Southwest Pasta Salad with additional chopped cilantro and a slice of lime, you can do so if you so wish. It is preferred that the salad be served chilled.
Tips
- Please do not hesitate to modify this salad in accordance with your individual preferences. You can increase the amount of protein in the dish by including or substituting foods such as cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Alternatively, you can replace the feta cheese with cotija or queso fresco.
To achieve a more intense flavor, you have the option of incorporating a little amount of cayenne pepper or a jalapeño that has been finely chopped into the dressing mixture.
- In order to prevent the pasta from sticking together and to ensure that it cools down quickly for the salad, it is imperative that you rinse the pasta under cold water once it has been cooked.
- This salad can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator for up to two days from the time it is made. Be careful to give it a thorough toss before serving so that the dressing may be redistributed throughout the salad.
- If you have leftovers, you can make a tasty and filling lunch for the following day. When you want to make meals that are easy to take and go, simply pack the salad into individual containers.
Nutrition
- Calories: 340kcal
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 36mg
- Sodium: 253mg
- Potassium: 391mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 608IU
- Vitamin C: 22mg
- Calcium: 29mg
- Iron: 2mg