MEXICAN PASTA SALAD

Craving a zesty and colorful dish to brighten up your summer menu? Look no further than this delicious Mexican Pasta Salad! Packed with fresh veggies, flavorful spices, and a creamy dressing, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next BBQ or potluck.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado, diced

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, taco seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
5. Gently fold in the diced avocado.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Popular Questions:

• Q: Can I substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt?

A: Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.

• Q: Can I add grilled chicken to this salad?

A: Absolutely, grilled chicken would be a great addition to add some protein to the dish.

• Q: What can I use instead of black beans?

A: You can use kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas as alternatives to black beans.

• Q: How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?

A: This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this salad a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Helpful Tips:

• Try adding diced jalapenos for an extra kick of spice.
• To make it vegetarian, omit the mayonnaise and use more sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• You can customize this salad by adding ingredients like black olives, diced cucumber, or shredded cheese.

Expert Secrets:

• To enhance the flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
• Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your preference for spiciness.
• For a creamier dressing, you can add a splash of milk to the sour cream and mayonnaise mixture.