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Zesty Southwest Pasta Salad Recipe with Chili-Lime Dressing

Zesty Southwest Pasta Salad

A colorful rotini pasta salad tossed with black beans, corn, crisp peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, and a bright chili-lime vinaigrette. Chill it before serving so the pasta absorbs the fresh Southwestern flavors.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 12 ounces Rotini or other short pasta
  • 1 15-ounce can Black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-ounce can Whole-kernel corn, drained
  • 1 Red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 Green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 Small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons Red-wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1 Garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Optional Additions
  • 1/2 cup Shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
  • 1 Jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1 Avocado, diced and added just before serving

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to the package directions, usually 9–12 minutes, until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta promptly and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. Drain thoroughly so excess water does not dilute the dressing.
  3. Whisk the olive oil, lime juice, red-wine vinegar, chili powder, cumin, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Continue whisking until the dressing looks evenly blended.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, red and green bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until every piece is coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss again, taste, and adjust with a little more salt or lime juice if needed.
  6. If using avocado, fold it in shortly before serving to help prevent browning. Add optional cheese or minced jalapeño at the same time if desired.

Notes

Cook the pasta only to al dente and rinse it promptly. The salad can be made several hours ahead, and its flavors improve as it chills; add avocado just before serving.