Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/19 checked
6
servings
16 ounce

rotini pasta

0.25 cup

light olive oil

0.5 cup

fresh lime juice

1.5 tsp

cayenne pepper

to taste

2 tsp

ground cumin

0.5 tsp

salt

1 tsp

dried cilantro

2 unit

garlic cloves

crushed

1 tbsp

salsa

to taste

1 tbsp

white wine vinegar

1.5 cup

whole kernel corn

15 ounce

black beans

drained and rinsed

0.5 cup

green bell pepper

diced

0.5 cup

red bell pepper

diced

0.5 cup

fresh cilantro leaves

rough chopped

1 cup

cherry tomatoes

halved

1 cup

black olives

sliced

0.5 cup

red onion

diced

1 unit

avocado

sliced

Step 1
~2 min

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

Step 2
~2 min

Add rotini pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente.

Step 3
~2 min

Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 4
~2 min

In a large bowl, whisk together light olive oil, lime juice, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, salt, dried cilantro, crushed garlic cloves, salsa, and white wine vinegar.

Step 5
~2 min

Add cooked pasta, corn, black beans, diced green bell pepper, diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and half of the chopped fresh cilantro leaves to the bowl with the dressing.

Step 6
~2 min

Stir until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

Step 7
~2 min

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8
~2 min

Before serving, spoon the pasta salad onto a platter.

Step 9
~2 min

Garnish with sliced avocado and the remaining fresh cilantro leaves.

Step 10
~2 min

Serve chilled.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For a spicier salad, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro, but fresh is preferred.

Add a can of diced tomatoes for extra flavor and moisture.

Make ahead and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made 1-2 days in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Low
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a side dish at a barbecue.

Pack for a picnic lunch.

Enjoy as a light and refreshing meal.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Grilled chicken
Grilled fish
Black bean burgers

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Southwestern United States

Cultural Significance

A fusion of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican culinary traditions.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Cinco de Mayo
Summer barbecues
Potlucks

Occasion Tags

Summer
Barbecue
Potluck
Picnic

Popularity Score

75/100

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