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mexican pasta salad served in brown bowl

Mexican Pasta Salad

Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
This Mexican-style pasta salad is full of delicious ingredients and textures, such as the extra crispy bacon pieces, creamy avocado chunks, and freshly sliced scallions. A slightly spicy mayo-based dressing ties it all together.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces farfalle pasta or bowtie pasta
  • 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 strips bacon
  • 1 avocado, chopped
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cooked corn
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Spicy Dressing:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne (Note 1)
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Cook Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water until cool.
  • Cook Bacon: Fry bacon strips on large skillet over medium heat until crispy, flipping occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain. When cool, crumble into small pieces.
  • Make Dressing: Stir together dressing ingredients in small bowl until combined.
  • Toss Salad: Add all ingredients to large salad bowl and toss with dressing. Serve (Note 2).

NUTRITION

Makes 6 Servings
Amount Per Serving:
Calories 590 (58% from fat)  
Total Fat 38g 59%
   Saturated Fat 8g 39%
Cholesterol 33mg 11%
Sodium 880mg 37%
Net Carb 39.5g  
Total Carb 48.5g 16%
   Dietary Fiber 9g 35%
   Sugars 3g  
Protein 15g  
Vitamin A 12% · Vitamin C 7% · Calcium 12% · Iron 16%

PHOTOS

mexican pasta salad served in brown bowl
ingredients for making mexican pasta salad
close up view of mexican pasta salad with bacon

NOTES & TIPS

(1) Cayenne. This amount yields a mildly spicy pasta salad. Adjust as needed.
(2) Serving. Serve the pasta salad cold, alongside pulled pork, chicken wings, or tomato basil soup. It's a great appetizer to bring to summer potlucks; prepare the night before, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.