Zesty Southwestern Pasta Salad Food

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, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and garlic. Stir in pasta and set aside to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in corn, beans, green pepper, red pepper and 1/2 of the cilantro leaves. Spoon onto a platter and garnish with tomatoes and remaining cilantro. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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.

ZESTY SOUTHWESTERN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare pasta according to package instructions.
• When making pasta salad, I like to cook my pasta a minute or two less than recommended so it stays firmer in the dressing, and holds up better against breaking apart when tossing.
• Drain and rinse under cold water.
• In a large bowl whisk together oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and garlic.
• Gently stir in pasta and set aside.
• Gently stir in corn, beans, green pepper, red pepper, onion, tomatoes and 1/2 of the cilantro leaves.
• Garnish with the remaining cilantro.
• Cover and chill at least 2 hours.

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA

Steps:

• Peel sweet onions and cut into slices about 1/4-inch thick; separate slices into rings.
• In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions, chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt and cayenne pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and golden, about 25 minutes.
• Stir in the tomatoes, corn and chiles and cook 2 minutes longer.
• Pour in the chicken stock and increase heat to high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Combine the sauce, cooked pasta, cilantro and goat cheese, stirring and tossing to soften the cheese.

SOUTHWEST PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to package directions.
• Drain and rinse the beans and corn.
• Drain the cooked pasta, and combine with corn, beans, salsa, and salad dressing.
• Mix well and cool for at least one hour.

SPICY SOUTHWESTERN PASTA

Steps:

• Brown onions and garlic in large skillet over medium heat, using a little water or a small amount of oil.
• Add crushed tomatoes, cumin, salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano and pepper flakes.
• Mix well and bring to a simmer.
• Reduce heat to low and cook, covered for about 15 minutes.
• Add green chiles, red peppers, beans and corn. Mix well and cook for 5 more minutes.
• Remove 1/2 cup of the mixture from the pan, mix it with the sour cream and then add this mixture back into the pan and mix well.
• To serve, place 1 cup of cooked pasta on each plate and top each serving with about 1 cup of the sauce.
• Top with 3 tablespoons of the grated cheese.
• I often combine the last steps and mix 2 or 3 cups of cooked pasta and the cheese right in with the sauce and serve the whole meal right out of the skillet.