Description
A vibrant and creamy Mexican Pasta Salad featuring rotini pasta tossed with black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro, all coated in a zesty lime and chili-spiced creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a refreshing side dish, this salad combines fresh ingredients with a flavorful dressing for a satisfying and colorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 12 ounces rotini or pasta of choice
- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1/2 cup cotija or feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped, optional)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta following package directions until al dente. Then drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water thoroughly to cool it completely, stopping the cooking process and preventing sticking.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, crumbled cotija or feta cheese, chopped cilantro, and the optional finely chopped jalapeño. Mix gently to combine all components evenly.
- Prepare the Creamy Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the bowl containing the pasta salad ingredients. Toss everything carefully but thoroughly, ensuring all components are coated evenly with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, optionally garnish with extra cotija cheese and chopped cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- This salad is excellent for picnics, BBQs, and potlucks.
- For additional richness, add diced avocado just before serving.
- To increase protein content, incorporate grilled chicken pieces.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
