Enjoy a fusion of cheesy tortellini, succulent corn, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado with a tangy dressing in the Southwest Tortellini Pasta Salad, a feast ready in minutes.
Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
The Southwest Tortellini Pasta Salad brings together a colourful mix of veggies, creamy avocado, and perfectly cooked tortellini in a zesty homemade dressing, promising a burst of flavours in every bite. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Its ability to serve as a hearty main or a delightful side dish makes it a versatile choice for meal planning.
Ingredients
- 20-ounce package three cheese refrigerated tortellini
- 1 cup corn, freshly cooked, canned or frozen
- 15-ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 avocado, peeled, seeded and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- juice from 2 limes
- 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Add tortellini to a large bowl. Add cooked corn, black beans, bell pepper, avocado, cherry tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
- Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a resealable jar.
- Shake until combined. Pour the desired amount of dressing (you may not want to use it all) over the pasta and toss to coat.
Serving Suggestions
- Grilled Chicken
- BBQ Ribs
- Roasted Vegetables
- Garlic Bread
- Caesar Salad
Tips and Tricks
- Consider grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or steak for additional protein.
- Use any preferred beans or incorporate other veggies you like or already have on hand.
- Add some hot sauce to the dressing to increase the heat level.
- If you don’t want to make the dressing from scratch, you can use your favourite store-bought zesty southwest or Italian dressing.
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