Tex-Mex Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Delight for Any Occasion
Looking for a vibrant and delicious dish that brings the flavors of Tex-Mex to your table? Look no further! This Tex-Mex Pasta Salad is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a refreshing meal at home. With a delightful combination of pasta, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
To serve 5 people, gather the following ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 16 oz bowtie pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 (11 oz) can Mexicorn, drained
- 4 oz sliced black olives, drained
- 1/3 cup pickled jalapeños, diced
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, diced into small cubes
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or use pre-cooked bacon bits)
- 1 bunch green onions, diced
- 1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1-2 tablespoons pickled jalapeño juice (optional)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Grocery List
Make sure to check your pantry and gather these items before heading to the store:
Produce:
- Fresh tomatoes
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Pickled jalapeños (if not using fresh)
Dairy:
- Cheddar cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
Canned Goods:
- Mexicorn (or regular corn)
- Black olives
Meat:
- Bacon (fresh or pre-cooked)
Pasta:
- Bowtie pasta or preferred shape
Spices and Condiments:
- Ground cumin
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder
- Granulated sugar
- Lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- While the pasta is cooking, chop all vegetables: dice the tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro. Crumble the cooked bacon.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, sugar, lime juice, pickled jalapeño juice (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooled pasta to the dressing along with Mexicorn, black olives, diced jalapeños, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Gently fold everything together until well mixed.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time
Total time required for preparation: approximately 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves approximately 5 people. Each serving contains an estimated:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands of ingredients used.
Tips & Notes
- For extra protein, consider adding black beans or grilled chicken.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
- This salad can be made a day in advance; just hold off on adding fresh ingredients like cilantro until serving.
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Enjoy this vibrant dish at your next gathering or as a refreshing meal any day of the week!
