Go Back
–+ servings
Print

Tex Mex Pasta Salad with Chili Tomato Vinaigrette

An easy to make pasta salad with all the Tex Mex Southwest flavors we love!  Includes a easy to  make Fresh Tomato Vinaigrette recipe.
Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mexican
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 244kcal
Author Kathi & Rachel

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces penne pasta or your favorite shaped pasta
  • 1 14 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 ears corn, fresh or thawed frozen or 1 cup frozen thawed
  • 1 medium chopped pepper, poblano, serrano or bell about 1/2 cup
  • 1 medium chopped red bell pepper about 1/2 cup
  • 1/3 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups arugula romaine, spinach or chopped iceberg work as well
  • 1 fresh avocado, cubed add right before serving to keep it fresh
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese

Chili Tomato Vinaigrette

  • 1 large tomato, cubed or 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar white vinegar will work in a pinch
  • 3/4 cup extra light olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano or 1-2 tablespoons fresh
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

  • Bring large pot of water to a boil.  Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain and rinse.
  • While pasta is cooking, prepare dressing by combining all ingredients in a blender or food processor for 10 seconds or so until well combined. (taste for salt, pepper, seasoning).   Pour into jar and store in fridge until ready to use.
  • Combine cooked and drained pasta with prepared veggies.
  • Top with dressing and mix.  You will not need all the dressing.  Save what you don't need to dress up the leftovers!  
    Taste for seasoning!  More salt, pepper?  
  • Top with avocado and crumbled cheese right before serving

Notes

Nutrition information is for a heaping cup of salad with 2 tablespoons of dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 307mg | Potassium: 371mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 710IU | Vitamin C: 36.2mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 1.4mg