Cheesy Southwest Pasta Salad Recipes

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• In a large bowl combine oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and garlic. Stir in pasta and set aside to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in corn, beans, green pepper, red pepper and 1/2 of the cilantro leaves. Spoon onto a platter and garnish with tomatoes and remaining cilantro. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk the first 8 ingredients until blended. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water., In a large bowl, mix pasta, corn, beans, tomatoes, olives, peppers, onion and 1/4 cup cilantro. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving., Just before serving, top with avocado and the remaining cilantro.

ZESTY SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare pasta according to package instructions.
• When making pasta salad, I like to cook my pasta a minute or two less than recommended so it stays firmer in the dressing, and holds up better against breaking apart when tossing.
• Drain and rinse under cold water.
• In a large bowl whisk together oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and garlic.
• Gently stir in pasta and set aside.
• Gently stir in corn, beans, green pepper, red pepper, onion, tomatoes and 1/2 of the cilantro leaves.
• Garnish with the remaining cilantro.
• Cover and chill at least 2 hours.