Description
A zesty and creamy pasta salad that combines the flavors of tacos with the freshness of vegetables, perfect for a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fusilli pasta
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup sweet corn, either frozen or canned
- 1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onion
- 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon taco spice mix
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by boiling the fusilli pasta in salted water until it reaches a firm yet tender texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled fusilli, grape tomatoes, black beans, sweet corn, yellow bell pepper, green onion, and Monterey Jack cheese.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, taco spice mix, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
- Drizzle the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like a fresh touch.
Notes
- For a crunchy texture, add some crumbled tortilla chips right before serving.
- Swap the Greek yogurt for sour cream for a richer taste, or include diced avocado for an extra creamy element and healthy fats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Chilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg