A refreshing and tasty take on a classic pasta salad. Served with fresh vegetables, black beans, and a spicy dressing!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb bowtie pasta
- 1 14 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
- 2 roma tomatoes diced or about 3/4 C or halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 large red yellow, or orange bell pepper, diced small
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup frozen fresh corn
- zest from 2 limes
- optional: 8 oz diced cooked chicken this is fantastic
- 1/2 cup Queso Fresco or Cotija Cheese or you could sub grated jack, cheddar or pepperjack
Dressing:
- 6 Tbs fresh lime juice about 3 juicy limes
- 1/4 C white wine or rice vinegar
- 4-5 cloves garlic roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp kosher or sea salt
- 2 tsp sugar add a touch more if your limes are extra sour/bitter
- 3/4 C canola oil
- 1/2 C roughly chopped cilantro
Instructions:
Step No.01
Boil the pasta in salted water according to package recommendations. While it cooks, make the dressing.
Step No.02
First, zest the limes and lay them in a big salad dish.
Step No.03
Combine lime juice, vinegar, garlic, chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and sugar in a blender. (Everything except the cilantro and oil) Blend until smooth. With the motor running gently, apply the oil in a steady stream until fully absorbed. Add the cilantro and pulse to break it up, leaving some pieces intact.
Step No.04
When the pasta is finished cooking, immediately drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Place the spaghetti in a large salad bowl and add the lime zest. Add black beans, tomatoes, chopped pepper, green onions, corn (no need to defrost), and chicken, if preferred. Toss in dressing. Taste, and season with salt and pepper to taste. For optimal results, refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Just before serving, add cheese over top. Serve with additional lime wedges if desired.
Step No.05
Makes approximately 4-6 dinner-sized meals or 10-12 side dishes.
Full Recipes:https://ourbestbites.com/southwest-pasta-salad/