Looking fo a delicious side dish for Memorial Day? We appreciate the many recipes we receive and are proud to share our most recent recipe. The Southwestern Pasta Salad, when it comes to flavorful sides, pasta salad is up there with the best of them. There are all kinds of different ways to dress up pasta salad, and when it comes to added ingredients, the possibilities are endless. Our Recipe subscriber came up with her own variation on a classic dish, adding a Southwest style with a little kick, and (psst. did I mention it has chipotle peppers) it boasts a light and creamy base and plenty of spices that are sure to make your taste buds sing.
Appreciate the rich, tasty ingredients that represent the American Southwest in this flavorsome pasta salad! Smoky chipotle peppers, scrumptious corn, ripened cherry tomatoes, creamy pinto beans, appetizing avocado, and refreshing cilantro all add deliciousness to this flavorful side dish This recipe is nutrient dense and delicious pairs extremely well with hamburgers, or grilled chicken at your Memorial Day cookout, or a simple relaxing day at home.
YIELDS: 8 - 10 serving(s)
PREP TIME: 25 mins
TOTAL TIME: 25 mins
Ingredients:
2 ears corn, shucked
1 16 oz. box medium shell pasta
3/4 c. mayonnaise
3/4 c. sour cream
1 1 oz. packet ranch seasoning mix
2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo, seeded
1 tsp. lime zest
1-2 tbsp. lime juice
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 pt. cherry tomatoes, halved
1 15 oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
2 avocados, diced
1 orange bell pepper, chopped and seeded
1/2 medium red onion, chopped
1 c. shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 c. chopped fresh cilantro
optional add in ideas:
Red cabbage: For gorgeous color and crunch factor
Olives: Black olives for yummy brininess would be nice.
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the corn until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the corn from the pot with a fine mesh strainer and rinse with cold water to cool.
Add the pasta to the same pot of boiling water and cook one minute longer than the package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.
In a blender, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix, 2 chipotle peppers, lime zest, lime juice, and cumin. Blend until smooth. Taste, and blend in a third chipotle pepper, if desired.
2. Add the pasta to the same pot of boiling water and cook one minute longer than the package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.
3. In a blender, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix, 2 chipotle peppers, lime zest, lime juice, and cumin. Blend until smooth. Taste, and blend in a third chipotle pepper, if desired.
4. Trim the corn off the cobs. In a large bowl, combine the corn, cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, pinto beans, avocado, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and cheese. Fold to combine. Gently fold in the dressing. Serve chilled.
Memorial Day is a time for us to come together as a nation and remember those who have given everything for our freedom. It is a day to express our gratitude, reflect on their sacrifice, and renew our commitment to uphold the values they fought to protect. As we cherish the long weekend, let us honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring that their memory lives on in our hearts and minds.
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