Are you on the hunt for the perfect pasta salad that is guaranteed to elevate your taste buds to the next level? Look no further, my friends! This smoky pasta salad, also known as smoky cowboy caviar, is about to become your new go-to side dish or entree. And trust me, you’ll want to pair it with some shredded chicken… mmm, mmm, good!
The secret to the smoky pasta salad’s mouth-watering taste is in the dressing. With a blend of creamy mayonnaise, tangy fresh lime juice, and a hint of ground cumin, this dressing is nothing short of magical. But the real kicker is the addition of smoked paprika. It adds a depth of smokiness that takes the dish to a whole new level. And let’s not forget the perfect balance of salt and black pepper, which brings all the flavors together into one harmonious masterpiece.
What ingredients do you need to make Smoky Mayo Pasta Salad?
- Ditalini Pasta (cooked)
- Frozen corn
- Red onion
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Jalapeño Pepper
- Bacon
- Queso Fresco Cheese
- Avocado
- Black beans
- Cucumber
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Mayonnaise
- Limes
- Ground Cumin
- Smoked Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
How to make Smoky Mayo Pasta Salad.
Once you’ve nailed the sauce, it’s time to tackle the pasta. I recommend using a small pasta, like macaroni or fusilli, so that it’s easy to scoop up with a fork. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain it, and rinse it under cold water. Then add the pasta to your sauce and stir everything together until it’s fully combined. Pop the bowl in the fridge to chill for at least an hour before serving.
The beauty of this pasta salad is that it starts off delicious and only gets better with time. Yes, you read that right! The flavors become more robust and powerful as it sits in the fridge. It’s like a fine wine, but in pasta form. And who doesn’t love pasta?!
The best part of this dish is that it is so versatile. You can add different meats and veggies to make it unique to your liking. I love adding some shredded chicken crunchy bell peppers, sweet corn, and buttery avocado. It’s like a Tex-Mex explosion in your mouth.
So, what are you waiting for? This smoky pasta salad recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And who knows? Maybe you’ll become the star of your next potluck or family gathering with this smoky cowboy caviar in tow.
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Smoky Mayo Pasta Salad a.k.a. Smoky Cowboy Caviar
Ingredients
1lb or 1box of Ditalini Pasta (uncooked)
4 bags frozen corn
1/2 Red onion, diced
2 green onions, sliced
1 cup chopped cilantro
1 finely diced jalapeño pepper
8 strips smoked bacon, chopped (optional)
2 cups Queso Fresco Cheese
2 large avocado diced
2 cans of black beans, drained & rinsed
1 cucumber diced
2c Cherry Tomatoes (halved) (optional)
Dressing
1cup Mayonnaise
3 Limes, freshly squeezed
1 lime zest
1/2tsp ground cumin
4tsp smoked paprika
3tsp salt
1tsp black pepper
Instructions
Mix All Ingredients in a large bowl
Mix in your sauce and make sure everything is fully combine.
Refrigerate for an hour, then serve
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