Southwestern Salsa Pasta Food

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk the first 8 ingredients until blended. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water., In a large bowl, mix pasta, corn, beans, tomatoes, olives, peppers, onion and 1/4 cup cilantro. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving., Just before serving, top with avocado and the remaining cilantro.

SOUTHWESTERN SALSA-STYLE PASTA SAUCE

Steps:

• I always make sure to chop my stuff up before I start, so peel your garlic and mince it, then put it aside. I keep my minced garlic in a shot glass. Next, dice your onion. Put that aside. Also, mince your cilantro. The cilantro doesn't HAVE to be minced now but it IS good to mince it during the last 2 minutes of sauteing your onions and garlic.
• Get a saucepan and line the bottom with Olive Oil over medium heat.
• Once hot, throw in your garlic and onions.
• Immediately add a layer of salt and pepper and stir.
• Set your kitchen timer for 12 minutes and stir about once every 1-2 minutes thereafter, to keep the garlic and onion cooking down and to prevent it from cooking the middle portion of the pan.
• After 12 minutes, open your can of tomatoes and add those in there. Also, add your salt, sugar, cilantro, and Tabasco Sauce. Stir REALLY well. Use the pepper to taste. If the sauce tastes too "salty", add a tiny bit of sugar and stir to balance it out. If it tastes too sweet, add a tiny bit of salt to balance it. You want it someplace in the middle.
• Turn the heat up to the highest setting and boil it for about five minutes while stirring frequently to prevent burning as well as to burn off some of the extra juice from the tomatoes and thicken the sauce.
• Turn the heat down to LOW (about "2" on any stove) and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring about every 5-10 minutes.
• Prepare your pasta according to the package. It would help to add a splash of olive oil to your water to prevent foaming.
• Drain and serve the pasta in a large serving bowl and add the sauce separately.
• Add Cheese.
• Enjoy!

SOUTHWESTERN SALSA PASTA

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to package directions and drain.
• Meanwhile, combine the beans, corn, salsa, and scallions in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
• Combine the pasta and sauce, toss well, and serve.
• Southwestern Salsa Pasta (this page)
• Avocado and Ricotta Soft Tacos (page 174)
• Coleslaw cabbage, dressed with vinaigrette
• Calories: 187
• Total Fat: 0g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrate: 37g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 442mg

SOUTHWESTERN CAVATAPPI

Steps:

• Brown meat in large skillet sprayed with cooking spray; drain. Stir in salsa, zucchini and chili powder; simmer on low heat 10 min., stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed on package.
• Stir corn and 1/2 cup cheese into meat mixture; cook 3 min. or until cheese is melted, stirring frequently.
• Drain pasta; place in large bowl. Add meat mixture, lime juice and cilantro; mix lightly. Top with remaining cheese.

V'S SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• In a large bowl combine oil, vinegar, lime juice, cayenne, cumin, salt, garlic, dried cilantro and salsa.
• Stir in corn, beans, green pepper, red pepper, tomatoes, olives and 1/2 of the cilantro leaves. Spoon onto a platter and garnish with avocado and remaining cilantro. Serve chilled.

LAYERED SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold water. Drain again.
• Toss with oil and sprinkle with cumin; salt to taste.
• Layer pasta, beans, corn, bell pepper, green onion and olives in a 2 1/2 to 3 quart straight sided bowl.
• In a small bowl combine mayo, sour cream and salsa; mix well. Spread evenly over top of pasta, sealing to edge of bowl. Sprinkle with cilantro.
• (Best if refrigerated several hours, or overnight before serving.).

SOUTHWEST SALSA

Steps:

• Mix ingredients in large bowl. cover & chill 1-2 hours.

SPICY SOUTHWEST PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta in salted boiling water until tender.
• Drain pasta and rinse with cold water.
• Combine all remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
• Add pasta and stir until the pasta is coated.
• Refrigerate at least an hour before serving.