Southwest Pasta Vegetable Salad

Southwestern Pasta Salad                              Nancy Harrison

"Really popular at potlucks--make a double batch! Very easy and very delicious. Serve on a bed of lettuce for a nice touch."

Ingredients:

·         1/2 (16 ounce) package rotini pasta

·         1/3 cup vegetable oil

·         1/4 cup fresh lime juice

·         2 tablespoons chili powder, or to taste

·         2 teaspoons ground cumin

·         1/2 teaspoon salt

·         2 cloves garlic, crushed

·         1 1/2 cups whole kernel corn

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

·         1/2 cup diced green bell pepper

·         1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

·         1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves

·         1 cup chopped roma (plum) tomatoes

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. In a large bowl combine oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and garlic. Stir in pasta and set aside to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.