I wanted a salad like this but couldn't really find anything that fit the bill and decided to create one...this is it! The kids eat it like crazy! A really good taco pasta salad without meat...you could add it if you wanted to...but why when this is sooo tasty!! Please note that this salad gets better if made the day or even two before. If you don't like spicy you can use regular taco seasoning instead of the hot and spicy, and leave out the jalapenos. Not really sure how long to make this so it's a guess but that doesn't include the chilling time.
1(1 1/4 ounce) envelope of hot and spicy taco seasoning mix
1/4cupItalian dressing (I use Paul Newmans Own Family)
1 teaspoonjalapeno, seeded and chopped
dried chipotle powder
2(15 ounce)black beans (rinsed and drained)
2(15 ounce)dark red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
2(15 ounce)corn (drained)
3 -4 green onions, chopped
1/2red bell pepper, chopped
2 teaspoonsgarlic
1/4red onion, chopped
Mexican blend cheese (I use sargentos)
2(15 ounce) cansdiced tomatoes with jalapenos (drained and squeezed)
black olives (optional. amount according to taste) (optional)
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Instructions
Placed cooked radiatore in large bowl and add black beans, kidney beans, corn, green onions, red bell pepper, garlic and red onion, tomatoes, Black olives if your using them.
Sauce:
in a bowl mix the ranch dressing, taco seasoning mix, Italian, jalapenos. Mix thourghly. I sprinkle the chipotle seasoning to taste.
pour sauce over the pasta bowl, add the cheese to your liking and stir till well coated.
Chill for 1 hour -- although this is better the more it ages so can be made a day or two ahead.
Note: You will probably have more dressing than you need, I used it as a dip with chips and cheese -- Yummy!