Zesty Southern Pasta and Bean Salad

featured-image

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried small pasta shells

  • ⅓ cup Italian-style salad dressing

  • salt to taste

  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained

  • 3 tomatoes, chopped

  • 1 ½ tablespoons ground cumin

  • ½ tablespoon chili powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional)

  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in shells and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse shells in cold water; place in a large bowl.

  2. Stir dressing into shells; season with salt. Stir in pinto and black beans. Add corn, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper; stir to combine.

  3. Chill salad in refrigerator until ready to serve.