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Southwest-Pasta-Salad-Recipe

Southwest Pasta Salad

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  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Southwestern

Description

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Southwest Pasta Salad! This dish combines bowtie pasta, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing, making it a delectable choice for quick dinners or potlucks.

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

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with olive oil and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with corn, black beans, bell peppers, cilantro, jalapeño, crumbled bacon, and Cotija cheese. Mix gently.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat evenly. Fold in the diced avocado gently before serving.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve the salad cold or at room temperature, optionally garnishing with extra cilantro, Cotija, or lime wedges.

Notes

For added flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier option.
Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your spice preference.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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Find it online: https://cozypeterpantry.com/southwest-pasta-salad/