Southwest Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad

It was my week to bring lunch again for the girls at work, this recipe has been all the rave on the nest board I am on, so I decided to give it a try. I have to say I was disappointed in it. Everyone else LOVED it and raved about it cleaning out the whole batch but I just didn’t love it, and couldn’t pin point it.

Wagon Wheel Taco Pasta Salad (From: Cara’s Cravings)

• 1lb wagon wheel pasta
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 10oz package frozen corn
• 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 8oz shredded Mexican-blend cheese
• 1/2 cups salsa
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 3-4 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1-2 tsp chili powder
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• freshly ground salt & pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado, diced (I omitted do to peoples tastebuds)

Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, and cheese. Add the cooled pasta and mix well.

In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin and chili powder. Pour over the pasta salad, add the cilantro, and mix well. Season to taste with salt & pepper.

Just before serving, stir in the diced avocado.

Tagged as: Pasta, Salad