Mexican Pasta Salad
Notes: Start heating water for pasta in a covered pan before assembling the rest of the ingredients. This salad can be served as a hot entrée by simply omitting the cooling step for the cooked pasta.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Cook pasta, uncovered, in 3 to 4 quarts boiling water until tender to bite, about 12 minutes. Drain, then rinse with cold water until cool; drain well.
Step 2
2
While pasta cooks, chop the green onions and Roma tomatoes. Stem, seed, and mince jalapeños. Stem, seed, and cut the bell pepper into thin, short slivers.
Step 3
3
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, bell pepper, cilantro, and beans. Add the vinegar, oil, and cheese; mix well. Transfer to a serving platter. If desired, add salt to taste.
Ingredients
8 ounces dried fusilli or rotelle pasta
6 green onions, ends trimmed
3 Roma tomatoes (about 1/2 lb. total)
2 fresh jalapeño chilies
1 red bell pepper (about 1/2 lb.)
1 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 can (8 1/2 oz.) reduced-sodium kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon salad oil
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Salt