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Mexican Fiesta Pasta Salad is a vibrant, zesty dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with rotini pasta, corn kernels, black beans, and cherry tomatoes, this salad bursts with flavor and color. The lime juice and chili powder dressing adds a tangy kick, while queso fresco and avocado bring creamy goodness. It's a quick, easy recipe that will make your taste buds dance. Let's dive in!
Mexican Fiesta Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup canned or fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup rinsed and drained black beans
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 diced red bell pepper
- 1 diced avocado
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and queso fresco.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
What You Will Need
Read more: Mexican Fiesta Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make Mexican Fiesta Pasta Salad
- Rotini pasta: Provides a hearty base, absorbing flavors well while adding texture and substance to the salad.
- Corn kernels: Adds sweetness and a pop of color, balancing the savory elements.
- Black beans: Offers protein and a creamy texture, making the salad more filling.
- Cherry tomatoes: Brings juiciness and a slight tang, enhancing freshness.
- Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and a mild sweetness, complementing other vegetables.
- Avocado: Contributes creaminess and healthy fats, enriching the salad's texture.
- Red onion: Provides a sharp, zesty bite, balancing the flavors.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note, tying all ingredients together.
- Queso fresco: Offers a mild, salty flavor, adding richness.
- Olive oil: Acts as the base for the dressing, bringing everything together.
- Lime juice: Adds acidity and brightness, enhancing all flavors.
- Chili powder: Brings a mild heat, adding depth to the salad.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor, complementing the chili powder.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Mexican Fiesta Pasta Salad Recipe
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the pasta to the perfect al dente texture.
- Colander: Drains the cooked pasta and rinses it under cold water.
- Large mixing bowl: Combines all the ingredients evenly.
- Small bowl: Whisks together the dressing ingredients.
- Whisk: Mixes the dressing smoothly.
- Knife: Dices vegetables and avocado precisely.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients.
Mexican Fiesta Pasta Salad
A zesty and colorful pasta salad perfect for any fiesta!
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Rotini pasta
- 1 cup Corn kernels canned or fresh
- 1 cup Black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 Red bell pepper diced
- 1 Avocado diced
- 1/4 cup Red onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Cilantro chopped
- 1/2 cup Queso fresco crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions:
- 1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and queso fresco.
- 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- 4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- 5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes:
Feel free to add more veggies or adjust the spices to your liking.
Read more: Pasta Salad with Dressing Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook pasta, rinse, and cool.
- Chop veggies, store in airtight containers.
- Mix dressing, keep in a jar.
- Combine everything just before serving.
Freezing Instructions
- Cook pasta, cool completely.
- Store pasta in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze veggies separately in airtight containers.
- Thaw everything in the fridge overnight.
- Mix with fresh avocado and dressing before serving.
Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dressing can give this Mexican Fiesta Pasta Salad an unexpected depth of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How long does this pasta salad last in the fridge?
It lasts about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute with any short pasta like penne or fusilli.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Simply omit the queso fresco or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day in advance. Just add the avocado right before serving to keep it fresh.
What can I use instead of cilantro?
You can substitute with parsley or leave it out if you prefer.
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