Dive into a colorful and zesty culinary adventure with this Mexican Noodle Salad, a vibrant dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. Bursting with fresh ingredients like corn, black beans, tomatoes, and zesty lime, this salad is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to summer picnics. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this Mexican noodle salad offers a delicious and satisfying way to bring a festive twist to your meals.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 8 ounces Noodles about 225 grams of your favorite pasta (e.g., fusilli, rotini, or farfalle), cooked al dente
- 1 cup Black Beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup Corn: 1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup halved
- ½ cup Red Onion: ½ cup finely chopped
- 1 Avocado (large) diced
- ½ cup Cilantro chopped
- ½ cup Queso Fresco crumbled (optional for a vegetarian option)
- 1 Jalapeño seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- 3 tbsp Lime Juice freshly squeezed
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Cumin ground
- ½ tsp Chili Powder
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water to cool and prevent sticking. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: To the bowl with the cooled pasta, add the black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, cilantro, queso fresco (if using), and jalapeño. Gently toss to combine.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper until well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Give the salad a quick toss before serving.
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish with additional cilantro, queso fresco, and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your spice preference. For extra heat, include some of the seeds.
Serving Suggestion: This salad can be served as a main dish or as a vibrant side to complement other Mexican-inspired dishes.
Enjoy your Mexican Noodle Salad, a dish that promises a delightful burst of flavors and textures with every bite!
Add a Comment