Description
A delicious and hearty pasta salad combining protein, veggies, and creamy dressing, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or quick dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., elbow or rotini)
- 1 cup cooked chicken or beef
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup creamy dressing (e.g., ranch or creamy avocado)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: jalapeños for extra kick
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken or beef, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, bell peppers, and green onions.
- Add the shredded cheese and mix well.
- Pour in the creamy dressing, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
- If desired, add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
Make sure to cool the pasta before mixing to keep the veggies crisp. Feel free to swap proteins or vegetables to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg