Santa Fe Pasta Salad
Why I Love This Recipe
I used to be a heavy girl, and it wasn't until I learned how to make recipes with a variety of veggies, proteins, and whole grains that I was able to take the weight off. This is one of my many "lettuce-free" salads, the only way to make a salad in my eyes.
Ingredients You'll Need
1 cup whole grain rotini pasta
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (sliced in half)
1/2 large cucumber (diced)
1 celery stick (chopped)
1/4 cup fresh or canned pineapple (diced)
1/4 cup black beans
1/2 large red pepper (diced)
1/4 cup sweet corn (cooked)
1 large avocado
Dressing for veggies:
juice from one key lime (or small regular lime)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Splash of hot sauce
1/2 tsp agave nectar (or honey)
Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing for pasta:
2 tsp ranch dressing or black pepper mayo
1 tbps salsa (any variety will do)
Directions
Mix together dressing for pasta in a small container and set aside. Cook pasta and mix in dressing while pasta is warm. Set aside mixture to cool.
Add all ingredients for veggie dressing into a small container with a lid. Shake container until the dressing is well mixed and set aside. Mix together all veggies except avocado and add veggie dressing. Toss lightly. Add cooled pasta mixture to veggie mixture and allow to marinate for 2-3 hours.
Dice avocado and add to salad before serving.
