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Mexican Pasta Salad

Mexican Pasta Salad

This delicious Mexican Pasta Salad combines pasta, vegetables, and a creamy dressing for a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 servings
Calories 373 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • medium bowl

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad

  • 8 ounces small-shaped pasta cooked (about 2 ½ cups dry pasta; rotini, fusilli, wheels, small shells, small elbow macaroni, etc.)
  • 2 cups corn canned (drained and rinsed), frozen (thawed and drained), or fresh (boiled or grilled and shaved)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved if desired (grape tomatoes may be substituted)
  • ½ cup cotija cheese finely shredded or crumbled (finely grated Parmesan is a substitution)
  • 3 pieces green onions sliced into thin rounds
  • ½ piece jalapeno pepper seeded and diced very finely; adjust to taste
  • 3-4 tablespoons fresh cilantro finely minced; adjust to taste

Dressing

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt thick, not runny (or ¼ cup mayonnaise + ¼ cup sour cream for creamier)
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice or as necessary for consistency and flavor
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder or more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste

Instructions
 

Pasta Salad

  • Boil pasta according to package directions, rinse with cold water, drain well, and add to a large bowl.
  • Chop all the veggies and add corn, cherry tomatoes, cheese, green onions, jalapeno, and cilantro to the large bowl with the cooked pasta.

Dressing

  • In a medium bowl, add all dressing ingredients, whisk well to combine, taste, and adjust flavors as necessary.

Combine

  • Pour the dressing over the pasta salad ingredients, toss well to combine and coat, making any final flavor adjustments.
  • Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate to chill before serving.

Notes

Pasta salad will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days. Serve chilled or at room temp. Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 373kcalCarbohydrates: 66gProtein: 16gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 828mgPotassium: 518mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 834IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 162mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cold salad, Mexican Pasta Salad, pasta salad, Side Dish, Vegetable Salad
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