Taco Pasta Salad

Prep:  10 Minutes
Total Time:  35 Minutes
Servings:  12

Ingredient List

  • 1 lb medium pasta shells (or other pasta shape)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups corn, frozen or canned
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
  • 1 1/2 cups salsa
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons from 1 container (6.25 oz) Old El Paso™ Original Taco Seasoning Mix
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 3 avocados, diced

Preparation

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
  2. In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, cilantro, tomatoes, and salsa. Toss gently.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, taco seasoning, and garlic. Pour over pasta and toss to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Chill until serving.
  4. Right before serving, toss in the cheese and avocado.

Expert Tips

  • This Taco Pasta Salad recipe works best with firm but ripe avocados. Overly ripe avocados will become mushy.
  • Reserve a small amount of the veggies to sprinkle on top for a pretty presentation.
  • Crumbled queso fresco cheese can be used in place of some of the shredded cheese, if desired.

Nutrition

  • 1 Serving Calories 430 (Calories from Fat 160);  Total Fat 18g (Saturated Fat 5g ,Trans Fat 0g);  Cholesterol 20mg;  Sodium 610mg;  Potassium 550mg;  Total Carbohydrate 51g (Dietary Fiber 8g ,Sugars 4g);  Protein 14g
  • % Daily Value: Vitamin A 15%;  Vitamin C 8%;  Calcium 15%;  Iron 15%
  • Exchanges: 2 1/2 Starch;  1 Other Carbohydrate;  1/2 Very Lean Meat;  1/2 High-Fat Meat;  2 1/2 Fat
  • Carbohydrate Choice: 3 1/2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet