There’s no need to heat up the kitchen with this Southwest Pasta Salad. It’s loaded with beans, veggies, chicken, cheese, and a cilantro-lime dressing.
Cook pasta according to package instructions, and drain and rinse with cold water. Place pasta in extra-large bowl and toss with lime zest.
MAKE CILANTRO-LIME DRESSING:
Add lime juice, vinegar, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and sugar to a blender, and blend until smooth. With blender on low, slowly add the oil in a steady stream until incorporated and slightly thickened. Add the cilantro and pulse until combined.
FINISH PASTA SALAD:
Add black beans, garbanzo beans, tomatoes, diced pepper, green onions, corn, and chicken to the bowl with pasta.
Toss until combined.
Add dressing and stir until the dressing is evenly coated over the pasta. Cover and chill at least 2 hours before serving.
Right before serving, top with cheese, avocado, and tortilla strips. Garnish with extra lime wedges and chopped cilantro.
Notes
This recipe will serve 12 as a main dish and 24-30 as a side dish.