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Southwest Pasta Salad

Zesty Southwest Pasta Salad: A High Protein Delight

This Easy High Protein Southwest Pasta Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish, perfect for meal prep and bursting with flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1 cup Avocado Mayo Substitute with regular mayo for a classic taste.
  • 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt Opt for non-fat for fewer calories.
  • 1 cup Salsa Select mild or hot based on your heat preference.
  • 1 tbsp Taco Seasoning Homemade seasoning offers a fresher option.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced for superior flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Lime Juice Fresh lime juice is best.
  • 1 tbsp Lime Zest
  • to taste Hot Sauce Adjust according to your liking.
  • to taste Salt Essential for flavor.
Salad
  • 1 lb Pasta Use protein pasta for a health boost.
  • 18 oz Black Beans Rinse thoroughly to avoid excess liquid.
  • 1/2 cup Tomatoes Fresh diced enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Pickled Onions Both store-bought and homemade are great options.
  • 4 oz Green Chiles Canned is convenient.
  • 1.25 cups Corn Fresh or frozen corn works beautifully.
  • 3 tbsp Cilantro Parsley can be substituted.

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Dressing Preparation
  1. Whisk together avocado mayo, Greek yogurt, salsa, taco seasoning, garlic, lime juice, lime zest, hot sauce, and salt until smooth and creamy.
  2. Set aside for the flavors to meld.
Pasta Cooking
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the protein pasta according to package instructions, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta and let it cool slightly.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with black beans, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, green chiles, corn, and chopped cilantro.
  2. Gently mix until evenly distributed.
Dressing the Salad
  1. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and bean mixture and toss until well coated.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed.
Resting
  1. Allow the salad to rest for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 18gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 15gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to refresh flavors.

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