Happy Tuesday, guys!
I’m bringing you my new favorite pasta salad recipe the day after I decided to go completely Paleo for a week! Gahhhhh!
My husband grilled both nights over the weekend and left me in charge of side dishes. (He made this chicken with thighs instead of breasts and it was delicious and then he did the boys’ favorite smoked sausage with barbecue sauce.)
I always go for the same couple side dishes with grilled foods. I always go for the same broccoli salad because we never get tired of it and then always pasta salad.
I tried this Southwestern Pasta Salad recipe because it seemed lighter than most pasta salad recipes. No heavy sauce, you know? This recipe uses salsa and then a light olive oil and lime juice dressing – it’s delicious! I’m obsessed with all things bean right now (conveniently not Paleo) and I was all about the combination of black beans, corn, and avocado.
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Southwestern Pasta Salad
from Cara's Cravings
Ingredients
- 1 pound small pasta
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 10- ounce package frozen corn, thawed
- 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 8 ounces shredded Mexican-blend cheese
- 1 ½ cups salsa
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- freshly ground salt & pepper
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, diced
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine beans, thawed corn, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa. Add the cooled pasta and mix well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, garlic, and salt and pepper until combined. Pour over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Right before serving, add cilantro, and avocado and gently toss.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 459Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 618mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 8gSugar: 5gProtein: 16g
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
Going completely paleo sounds torturous, which probably isn’t the most supportive thing to say. I’m proud of you for doing it! When the week is up, be sure to binge on this delicious pasta salad!
Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me says
I love southwestern flavors and this pasta salad looks amazing!
Kate @ Diethood says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of using salsa in pasta!!! BRILLIANT!
Jessica @ Sprinkle Some Sugar says
Mmm, this has so many of my favorite flavors! I can imagine how amazing this tastes. Pinning to make very, very soon!
Maegan @thebakermama says
This is my kind of pasta salad! Love the southwestern flavors and add-ins. Would be so great to take to a potluck this summer!
Kelley says
I could probably eat this for a week straight. I lurve a good pasta!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Love this spin on pasta salad!!! I always just use balsamic vinegar in my pasta salad. . I love the black beans, corn, and avocado trip and the SALSA! what a great idea!
Joanie @ ZagLeft says
I’m so glad you liked the chicken recipe, it’s a favorite at our house too. This salad looks and sounds wonderful and full of so many great flavors. I’ll be trying it soon.
Stephanie R says
Mmm this looks INCREDIBLE. Im going to pin this so I can make some asap.
jenn Peas and Crayons says
You’re brilliant. I’m mad we’re not moving to TX b/c HOW ARE YOU GOING TO FEED ME NOW!? The agony!
Amy @Very Culinary says
Yep, I have a similar broccoli salad here. It’s pure gold. Never ever get tired of it. This pasta sounds like a total winner, too. Because…lime dressing? Um, YEEESSSS.