Name: Candied Kielbasa Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 12 oz. farfalle pasta; 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (12 oz.) bag frozen corn, thawed; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped; 1 cup lite mayonnaise; 3/4 cup salsa (canned or jarred); 3-4 Tbsp. homemade taco seasoning, or 1 package store-bought taco seasoning

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Introduction

This Mexican Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for family gatherings or meal prep. Combining farfalle pasta with black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty homemade dressing, it offers a refreshing twist on a classic salad. It’s easy to make and sure to please a crowd.

The image shows a close-up of a silver foil tray filled with small, cut sausages that have a shiny, dark reddish-brown glaze. The sausages are sliced into short pieces, and one piece is picked up by a woman's hand holding a toothpick on the left side of the image. The sausages look moist and slightly caramelized. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz. farfalle pasta
1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 12 oz. bag frozen corn, thawed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 cup lite mayonnaise
3/4 cup salsa (canned or jarred)
3-4 Tbsp. homemade taco seasoning or 1 package store-bought taco seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the farfalle pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside to cool and dry completely.
Step 2: Once the pasta is cool, place it in a medium-large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add the black beans, thawed corn, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the pasta.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the lite mayonnaise, salsa, and taco seasoning until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Cover the salad and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy chilled for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

For added crunch, sprinkle chopped green onions or diced bell peppers before serving.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing option.
Substitute the black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans if preferred.
Add diced avocado just before serving for a creamy texture.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toss gently before serving again. This salad is best served cold and should not be left at room temperature for extended periods due to the mayonnaise-based dressing.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of shiny cooked sausages arranged closely in a white aluminum tray. The sausages are deep reddish-brown with a glossy, slightly sticky surface, and some are sliced at an angle to reveal a bright, juicy orange inside. A woman's hand is holding a toothpick, picking up one sliced sausage, showing its texture and cooked edges. The background is a white marbled texture, highlighting the rich colors and shiny gloss of the sausages. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh corn adds a nice sweetness and slight crunch. Simply cook and cool it before adding to the salad.