There’s something about the zing of lime and the smoky warmth of chipotle that just makes my taste buds dance with joy. Imagine a dish that combines these flavors with the creamy comfort of pasta salad—it’s like a little fiesta in a bowl. I first tried this at a friend’s barbecue last summer, and let me tell you, it was the star of the show, overshadowing even the fanciest of burgers!
Steps
- Begin by cooking the fusilli pasta in salted water until it reaches the desired tenderness. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water, drain well, and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cooked corn kernels, rinsed black beans, chopped green onions, and halved grape or cherry tomatoes to the bowl with the pasta.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, salt, pepper, lime zest, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and honey to create the dressing.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until well combined.
- Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve it.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups fusilli pasta, uncooked
- 1/2 cup corn kernels, cooked
- 3/4 cup black beans, cooked (rinse if using canned)
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved if large
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup plain mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder, or to taste
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Zest of one small lime, finely minced
- Juice of one small lime
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Nutritional Values
Calories 2030 | Total Fat 90g | Saturated Fat 10g | Trans Fat 0g | Unsaturated Fat 70g | Cholesterol 50mg | Sodium 980mg | Carbohydrates 270g | Fiber 30g | Sugar 80g | Protein 40g
FAQ
- Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare this Southwestern Chipotle Lime Pasta Salad in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 days. The flavors might even enhance as they meld together.
- What can I add to make this a complete meal?
- To turn this pasta salad into a full meal, consider adding grilled shrimp or chicken. These protein additions complement the flavors of the salad beautifully.
- Is there a substitute for chipotle powder?
- If you don’t have chipotle powder, you can use smoked paprika for a milder flavor or cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat, but adjust the quantity to taste.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 2-3 days for optimal taste and freshness.
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, feel free to substitute fusilli with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just make sure to cook it al dente to maintain a good texture in the salad.
Tips
- To ensure your pasta salad has the best texture, cook the fusilli until just al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop further cooking and cool it down quickly.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider grilling the corn kernels before adding them to the salad. This will enhance their natural sweetness and add a smoky taste.
- When making the dressing, start with a smaller amount of chipotle powder and adjust to taste. This will help you control the heat level to your preference.
- For added freshness and a visual pop, garnish the salad with additional lime zest or freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing the pasta salad with the dressing.
- Salad Serving Bowl: Useful for refrigerating and serving the pasta salad.
- Zester or Microplane: Necessary for zesting the lime finely.
- Citrus Juicer: Helpful for extracting juice from the lime.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for measuring ingredients like pasta, mayonnaise, chipotle powder, etc.
