Are you ready to take your taste buds on a vibrant journey to Mexico without leaving your kitchen? This Mexican Spicy Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of fresh flavors and zesty ingredients that will tantalize your palate and impress your guests! With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick prep time, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, a picnic, or just craving something deliciously different, this pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Read on to discover how to create this colorful, refreshing dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water, then slice them in half. Set aside. Next, drain the corn if using canned corn, or cook fresh corn until tender and cool it down. Dice the red onion finely and mince the jalapeño, removing the seeds if you prefer less heat.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow it to drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, diced red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt or lime juice if desired.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is well-coated with the dressing.
- Let the pasta salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can also be served immediately if you're in a hurry.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and taste to adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta works, opt for shapes like fusilli or penne that hold the dressing and veggies well, adding texture to each bite.
- Customize Your Heat Level: If you're a spice lover, leave the seeds in the jalapeño for an extra kick. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes before mincing.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh cherry tomatoes and corn for the best flavor. If using canned corn, drain it thoroughly to avoid excess liquid.
- Let It Chill: For the best flavor, allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes after mixing. This resting time helps the ingredients meld together beautifully.
- Garnish for Presentation: Before serving, sprinkle extra cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add avocado slices for creaminess.
- Make It Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve, allowing the flavors to deepen.
- Pairing Suggestions: This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light meal on its own. Consider serving it with tortilla chips for added crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
