Southwestern Pasta Salad 

This Southwestern Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines hearty rotini pasta with a medley of fresh vegetables, black beans, and a creamy chipotle ranch dressing. It's a perfect side dish for summer BBQs, potlucks, or a satisfying lunch. Quick to prepare and easily customizable, this salad brings a delightful southwestern flair to your table.

 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 12 oz rotini pasta

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• ½ red onion, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 avocado, diced

• ½ cup chopped cilantro

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Chipotle Ranch Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped (to taste)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

 Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.

2. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, chopped chipotle peppers, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and shredded cheddar cheese.

4. Add Dressing: Pour the chipotle ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.

5. Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

6. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

 Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 370 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 39 g

• Protein: 10 g

• Fat: 20 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Cholesterol: 25 mg

• Sodium: 350 mg

• Potassium: 400 mg

• Fiber: 6 g

• Sugar: 5 g

• Vitamin A: 450 IU

• Vitamin C: 35 mg

• Calcium: 150 mg

• Iron: 2 mg