Introduction
This vibrant pasta salad combines the wholesome goodness of shell pasta with nutritious black beans, sweet corn, and a zesty dressing. With layers of flavor from fresh vegetables and spices, it’s perfect for a summer gathering or as a satisfying meal prep option. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your taste preferences.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 lb shell pasta (or pasta of your choice)
15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1½ cups cooked corn
½ cup diced tomatoes
1½ cups medium salsa (or mild/hot, based on preference)
⅓ cup olive oil
¼ cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
2 avocados, diced
1 bunch fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons salt
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: Serves 6-8
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and the pasta. Cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Allow the pasta to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, black beans, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Toss gently to mix.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, taco seasoning, minced garlic, and olive oil. Pour this dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
5. Before serving, stir in the shredded Mexican cheese. Top with diced avocados and additional chopped cilantro as desired.
Additional Toppings
Enhance the salad with optional toppings such as crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, black olives, or a scoop of guacamole.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Boil Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and the shell pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, rinsed black beans, ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro, cooked corn, diced tomatoes, and medium salsa. Gently toss the ingredients together with a spatula or spoon to ensure an even mix.
Step 3: Make Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, taco seasoning, minced garlic, and olive oil. This will create a flavorful dressing that will coat the pasta mixture.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture in the large bowl. Using a spatula or spoon, toss the pasta salad gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Step 5: Chill Salad
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and develop, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Avocado
Before serving, stir in the shredded Mexican cheese until evenly distributed throughout the salad. Top with diced avocados and additional chopped cilantro, if desired, for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
Optional Toppings
Consider enhancing the salad with additional toppings. Suggested options include crushed tortilla chips for crunch, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños for heat, chopped green onions for freshness, black olives for richness, or even a scoop of guacamole.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
To properly boil pasta, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil before adding salt. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente.
Draining and Rinsing
After boiling, use a colander to drain the pasta. Rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for salads.
Preparing the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine lime juice, taco seasoning, minced garlic, and olive oil. Whisk together until the mixture is well blended and emulsified.
Combining Ingredients
Mix the cooled pasta with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa in a large bowl. Use a gentle folding motion to combine without breaking the pasta.
Refrigerating
Cover the mixed salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
Adding Toppings
Prior to serving, gently stir in shredded Mexican cheese and top with diced avocados and additional cilantro for a fresh finish.
FAQ
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute shell pasta with any pasta of your choice, such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What can I add as extra toppings?
You can enhance the dish with crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, black olives, or guacamole.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, to make the salad vegan, omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. You can make it a day ahead and refrigerate it until serving.
Conclusion
This refreshing pasta salad is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it an ideal dish for picnics, barbecues, or casual dinners. The combination of black beans, corn, and salsa gives it a hearty feel, while the avocado and cilantro add a burst of freshness. Chilling the salad allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.
Southwest Chicken Pasta
Combine grilled chicken strips with the pasta salad ingredients for a protein-packed twist.
Quinoa Cilantro Salad
Substitute pasta with cooked quinoa and keep all other ingredients the same for a gluten-free option.
Vegetable Medley Pasta
Add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion to the salad for an extra boost of veggies.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Serve seasoned shrimp on corn tortillas topped with the chilled pasta salad as a unique taco filling.
Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers
Use the pasta salad mixture to stuff halved bell peppers and bake for a warm, hearty dish.
Chipotle Lime Chicken Bowl
Layer the pasta salad with grilled chipotle-lime seasoned chicken in a bowl for a hearty meal option.
Cilantro Lime Rice Bowl
Swap the pasta for cilantro lime rice and toss with the salad ingredients for a flavorful side dish.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Incorporate grilled corn off the cob and fresh cotija cheese for a sweet and savory salad addition.
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos
Fill corn tortillas with a mixture of black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, and top with the pasta salad for a filling taco option.
