Mexican Pasta Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing

Cold pasta salads are something I make frequently. I find them hearty, satisfying and versatile. I dreamt up this one because I had a ripe avocado and wanted to do something with it other than guacamole. This dish was so good with the fresh veggies, whole grain pasta and avocado dressing. It was light yet had the richness from the avocado...yum!

Mexican Pasta Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing

Salad Ingredients:

8 oz whole grain pasta

15 oz can of corn
15 oz can of black beans

1 carrot, diced
1 bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Dressing Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup olive oil
4 tbsp lime juice
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 - 1 tsp salt (to your taste)

Salad Directions:

Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water and put in a large mixing bowl. Drain and rinse the corn and black beans. Toss the pasta with the corn, beans, carrot, and bell pepper.

Dressing Directions:

Place all the dressing ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.

Toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy.

For 8 servings. Nutritional information from caloriecount.about.com.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 191 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories  302 Calories from Fat  109

% Daily Value*

Total Fat  12.1g 19%

Saturated Fat  1.9g 10%

Trans Fat  0.0g

Cholesterol  0mg 0%

Sodium  369mg 15%

Potassium  312mg 9%

Total Carbohydrates  41.4g 14%

Dietary Fiber  8.9g 36%

Sugars  4.7g

Protein  9.5g

Vitamin A 37% • Vitamin C 40% Calcium 4% • Iron 12%

Nutrition Grade B-

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet