Description

This Southwest Pasta Salad is bursting with flavor! Made with bowtie pasta, black beans, corn, and a zesty dressing, it’s an easy, satisfying dish for any occasion.

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 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

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Instructions

Boil salted water in a large pot, then cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with olive oil and set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, black beans, bell peppers, cilantro, jalapeño, bacon, and Cotija cheese. Toss gently to mix.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Gently fold in the avocado just before serving, or keep it fresh until then.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with extra cilantro, Cotija, or lime wedges as desired.

Notes

For added flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice for the dressing.
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or add grilled chicken for extra protein.
This salad can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to develop even more.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 20mg