Description
Whip up this vibrant Mexican Pasta Salad, a perfect Cinco de Mayo side! Al dente pasta mingles with fresh bell pepper, red onion, corn, and black beans for a zesty, colorful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz small pasta (e.g., rotini, elbow macaroni)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned, frozen and thawed, or fresh)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, rinse with cold water to cool quickly, and set aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Finely dice the red bell pepper and red onion. Rinse and drain the canned black beans, and if using frozen corn, ensure it's thawed. Dice the ripe avocado just before adding to prevent browning.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or sour cream), fresh lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, rinsed black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and diced red onion. Add the chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 5: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Add the diced avocado, then gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated.
- Step 6: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Mexican Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a delicious party side dish.
Notes
- Keep your Mexican Pasta Salad fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; for best results, add the avocado just before serving, or a squeeze of fresh lime to leftovers to keep it vibrant.
- This delightful dish is meant to be served chilled, so please avoid reheating it as doing so will compromise the perfect al dente texture of the pasta and the creamy richness of the dressing.
- Serve this festive salad as a bright, refreshing side alongside grilled meats like chicken or carne asada, or as a vibrant accompaniment to your favorite tacos for a complete and satisfying meal.
- For a milder red onion flavor and an extra zest, finely dice the red onion and let it soak in the lime juice for about 10 minutes before whisking it into the dressing, enhancing the citrus notes throughout the salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx 220g)
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 6g