Scandal Boggs ┃ Fashion, Beauty & Home

Transport yourself to the flavors of the Southwest with this vibrant and zesty Southwest Pasta Salad. Packed with colorful ingredients and bold flavors, this salad is a celebration of the region’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re hosting a summer fiesta or simply craving a taste of the Southwest, this salad is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to bring a taste of the Southwest to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound tri-color rotini pasta
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cilantro lime dressing
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Tri-Color Rotini Pasta Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients While the pasta is cooking, prepare the remaining ingredients. Rinse and drain the black beans, thaw the corn kernels if using frozen, and dice the red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Halve the cherry tomatoes.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients To the cooked tri-color rotini pasta, add the rinsed black beans, corn kernels, diced bell peppers, and halved cherry tomatoes. These colorful and vibrant ingredients will add texture and flavor to the salad, capturing the essence of the Southwest.

Step 4: Dress the Salad Drizzle the cilantro lime dressing over the pasta and ingredients. The cilantro lime dressing, with its zesty and herbaceous notes, will infuse the salad with a burst of flavor reminiscent of the Southwest.

Step 5: Season with Salt and Pepper Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.

Step 6: Chill and Serve Cover the Southwest Pasta Salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill. This step is crucial for enhancing the taste and texture of the salad.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy Before serving, garnish the Southwest Pasta Salad with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro for a final touch of freshness. Serve the salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light and satisfying main course. Pair it with grilled shrimp or chicken for a complete Southwest-inspired feast.

With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, the Southwest Pasta Salad is a true taste of the Southwest. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a picnic in the park, or simply craving a taste of the Southwest, this salad is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, whip up a batch of this delightful salad, and transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched landscapes of the Southwest. Enjoy the fiesta!