Southwestern Pasta Salad

artkitty's Note:

Rotini, or the pasta of your choice, is tossed with a zesty dressing of lime juice, chili powder and cumin. Corn, black beans, red and green bell pepper, tomatoes and cilantro add texture, flavor and color. Serve on a bed of lettuce for a nice touch. Original by Lisa P., this is my version.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 0.5 (16 ounce) package rotini pasta
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 garlic cloves , crushed
• 1 ½ cups whole kernel corn
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans , drained and rinsed
• ½ cup green bell pepper , diced
• ½ cup red bell pepper , diced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves , chopped
• 1 cup roma tomatoes or 1 cup grape tomatoes , chopped

Directions:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Reviews

[Enjolinfam]

This is a wonderful salad! Very fresh taste and full of color. Served this to some friends and they just loved it. I was nervous about adding a whole tablespoon of chili powder thinking it would make the salad too spicy, but it only gave it a nice flavor and didn't make it taste spicy at all. Made for PAC and I'll be making it again! Thanks!