Description
A refreshing and zesty pasta salad featuring a medley of fresh ingredients and a tangy lime dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces fusilli pasta
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup rinsed and drained black beans
- 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by boiling the fusilli pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, grape tomatoes, sweet corn, black beans, red bell pepper, cilantro, and avocado cubes until well combined.
- In a separate small bowl, blend the extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, whisking until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
- Drizzle the dressing over the pasta medley and gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Allow the medley to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to serving, giving the flavors a chance to develop and harmonize.
Notes
- For an extra protein boost, feel free to add in some diced grilled chicken or shrimp.
- If you prefer a gluten-free alternative, swap the pasta for quinoa, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg