Southwest Pasta Salad

Southwest pasta salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines pasta with a medley of fresh vegetables, black beans, corn, and a zesty Southwest dressing. This salad is packed with colorful ingredients and a variety of textures, making it a satisfying and refreshing meal. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish, this Southwest pasta salad is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fusili pasta (or penne)
• 15 ounces black beans (rinsed and drained, 1 can)
• 15 ounces corn (drained)
• 2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 medium green bell pepper (chopped)
• ½ medium red onion (chopped)
• ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 medium jalapeno pepper (seeded and minced)
• ½ cup cotija cheese (or feta, crumbled)
• For Dressing
• ¼ cup lime juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• salt and pepper (to taste)