Cool Mexican Pasta Salad
Brighten up your table with the vibrant and zesty flavors of Cool Mexican Pasta Salad, a refreshing twist on traditional pasta salad perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals. This colorful dish combines tender rotini pasta with a medley of black beans, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and aromatic cilantro, all topped with a creamy lime and taco-seasoned dressing for the ultimate Tex-Mex punch. A touch of diced jalapeño adds customizable heat, while optional cheddar cheese and avocado elevate its richness. Ready in just 25 minutes and served chilled, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing side or a satisfying light meal that bursts with flavor in every bite. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a make-ahead dish!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 15-oz can (drained and rinsed) black beans
- 1 15-oz can (drained) sweet corn
- 1 medium (diced) red bell pepper
- 1.5 cups (halved) cherry tomatoes
- 0.5 medium (finely diced) red onion
- 0.25 cup (chopped) cilantro
- 1 small (finely diced, seeds removed for less heat) jalapeño
- 3 tbsp (freshly squeezed) lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 0.5 tsp (or to taste) salt
- 0.5 tsp (or to taste) pepper
- 1 cup (shredded, optional) cheddar cheese
- 1 large (diced, optional) avocado
Directions
Step 1
Cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
Step 3
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, sour cream, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 4
Add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with the vegetables and beans. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5
If using, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced avocado just before serving.
Step 6
Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7
Serve the Cool Mexican Pasta Salad cold as a side dish or a light meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2198.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3486.2 |
| Total Fat 139.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 45.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 7.6g | |
| Cholesterol 151.3mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5415.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 457.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 59.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 56.7g | |
| Protein 108.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1044.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 20.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3667.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories