Spicy Mexican Pasta Salad Food

MEXICAN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the pasta (al dente) During approximately the last 2 minutes of cooking time, add the corn.
• While the pasta/corn mixture is cooking, combine all other ingredients (except for the cheese) in a large bowl.
• Drain the pasta and corn.
• Rinse the pasta and corn in cold water until the mixture is cool or cold.
• Add the pasta/corn mixture to the other ingredients and mix.
• Before serving, sprinkle mixture with shredded cheese.
• (OPTIONAL) If you are vegan, do not complete this step.
• *Please note, I have also added other vegetables, such as fresh and frozen chopped broccoli (add to pasta cooking process like the corn), fresh chopped cauliflower, etc.
• You can also add cooked, diced or chopped chicken (great for leftovers).

MEXICAN FIESTA PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil; cook the rotini in the boiling water until the pasta is cooked through yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain. Rinse under cold running water until completely cooled; drain thoroughly.
• Whisk the salsa, mayonnaise, sour cream, black beans, Mexican-style corn, red bell pepper, green onions, black olives, garlic powder, cumin, cilantro, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl; add the cooled pasta and stir to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 hours to overnight before serving.