fine dining experience

Pasta Salad with Black Beans & Avocado Dressing

Everyone will love this pasta salad recipe that's packed with tomatoes, corn and black beans. We lighten up the creamy dressing with avocado for a healthier version of a picnic favorite.

Ingredients

Dressing

  • ½ ripe avocado
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 small clove garlic, grated
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin

Pasta Salad

  • 8 ounces whole-wheat fusilli (about 3 cups)
  • 1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed
  • ½ cup corn, fresh or frozen (thawed)
  • ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. To prepare dressing: Combine avocado, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, salt and cumin in a mini food processor. Puree until smooth.

  2. To prepare pasta salad: Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, then drain again. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in tomatoes, beans, corn, Cheddar, onion and cilantro. Add the dressing and toss to coat.