recipes
Southwest Fiesta Pasta Salad 🌶️🥗
Southwestern Pasta Salad 🥗
Description: This Southwestern Pasta Salad is an excellent addition to any potluck gathering! Packed with delicious southwestern flavors, it perfectly complements a giant southwestern burger or any other main dish. Get ready to indulge in a burst of flavors that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Corkscrew macaroni | 1 cup |
| Olive oil | 1/2 – 2/3 cup |
| Dried oregano | 2 tsp |
| Dried parsley | 2 tsp |
| Dried basil | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 1/2 – 2 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 2 tsp |
| Tomatoes | 2, diced |
| Red onion | 1/2, diced |
| Monterey Jack cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Parmesan cheese | 3/4 cup, grated |
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 317.3
- Fat: 16.1g
- Saturated Fat: 5.3g
- Cholesterol: 18.9mg
- Sodium: 189.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 31.7g
- Fiber: 2.1g
- Sugar: 1.9g
- Protein: 11.6g
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Begin by cooking the corkscrew macaroni according to the directions on the back of the box or bag.
-
Rinse the Pasta:
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water until the pasta itself is cold. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
-
Prepare the Salad:
- In a large pasta bowl, combine all the ingredients except the pasta itself—olive oil, dried oregano, dried parsley, dried basil, chili powder, garlic powder, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss them together until well mixed.
-
Incorporate the Pasta:
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the other ingredients. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
-
Chill and Serve:
- Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate it overnight or for at least 6 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a more delicious salad.
-
Chef’s Note:
- Feel free to adjust the quantities of spices, vegetables, or cheese according to your personal taste preferences. Pasta salad is highly customizable, so make it your own and enjoy the culinary journey!
