Description
This Southwest Pasta Salad is packed with flavor, featuring bowtie pasta, black beans, and fresh veggies. It’s an ideal option for a quick dinner or a healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained, rinsed
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium orange or yellow bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 medium jalapeño, seeded, finely diced
- 6 strips bacon, cooked, crumbled
- ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 large avocado, diced, added just before serving
- 1 cup (220 g) mayonnaise
- 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice, from 4 to 5 limes
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking, then toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained corn, black beans, diced bell peppers, cilantro, jalapeño, chopped bacon, and Cotija cheese. Toss gently to mix everything evenly. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. If adding avocado, fold it in gently now or just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop.
- Serve cold or at room temperature. Garnish with extra cilantro, Cotija, or a lime wedge if you like.
Notes
For added flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for longer if possible.
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Serve with lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg