Tex-Mex Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the bold, zesty tastes of Tex-Mex cuisine with the satisfying bite of pasta. This salad is packed with colorful ingredients like black beans, corn, tomatoes, and peppers, all tossed in a tangy lime and cumin dressing. It’s a great option for a summer cookout, potluck, or as a refreshing weeknight meal. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Add a touch of spice with jalapeños or keep it mild for a family-friendly option—either way, this Tex-Mex Pasta Salad is sure to please!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bow tie work well)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen and thawed, or fresh)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 jalapeño, minced for heat
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta down. Set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding jalapeño if you want some extra spice.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Add final touches: Gently fold in the diced avocado and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately at room temperature.
This Tex-Mex Pasta Salad is the perfect fusion of textures and flavors—creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and the bold spices of the dressing make every bite exciting!
