Taco Pasta Salad
Calling all taco fans! Whip up this Taco Pasta Salad that's loaded with rotini pasta, black beans, corn, fresh veggies and shredded cheese. Toss it in a zesty chili-lime dressing and watch your family make it disappear!
Servings: 8
Calories: 365kcal
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 3 cups rotini pasta uncooked
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 large green bell pepper diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ red onion finely chopped
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup sliced black olives optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chili-Lime Dressing
- ⅔ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- ¾ teaspoon cumin
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with black beans, corn, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and black olives (if using). Mix well; stir in the cilantro, cheese and gently toss.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Give it a quick stir before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
-
- Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water after cooking. This allows it to cool down quickly and remove excess starch that can make it sticky.
- To prevent sogginess, drain canned ingredients well, and add the dressing just before serving.
- You can use gluten-free pasta to make this delicious pasta salad gluten-free.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended.
Nutrition
Calories: 365kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 440mg | Potassium: 321mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 191mg | Iron: 2mg