Zesty Southwestern Pasta Salad Recipes

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.

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 large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and and cool, 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make dressing: Whisk all ingredients together. Taste and add salt as desired.
• Stir corn, black beans, cheese, tomatoes, avocados and cilantro in with pasta. Toss with dressing. Cover tightly and refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

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.

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA

Steps:

• Peel sweet onions and cut into slices about 1/4-inch thick; separate slices into rings.
• In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions, chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt and cayenne pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and golden, about 25 minutes.
• Stir in the tomatoes, corn and chiles and cook 2 minutes longer.
• Pour in the chicken stock and increase heat to high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Combine the sauce, cooked pasta, cilantro and goat cheese, stirring and tossing to soften the cheese.

SPICY SOUTHWEST PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta in salted boiling water until tender.
• Drain pasta and rinse with cold water.
• Combine all remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
• Add pasta and stir until the pasta is coated.
• Refrigerate at least an hour before serving.