Southwest Pasta Salad

Southwest Pasta Salad
adapted from ourbestbites.com

Ingredients:

12 oz. bowtie pasta
1 can black beans (14 oz), drained and rinsed
2 roma tomatoes, diced
2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup frozen fresh corn
zest from 2 limes
1/2 cup pepper jack or feta cheese, cut into small squares, shredded, or crumbled

Dressing:
6 T fresh lime juice (about 3 juicy limes)
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
4-5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp cumin
3/4 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar (or to taste)
3/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

Directions:

1.  Boil pasta according to package directions.  Drain and rinse immediately with cold water to cool.
2.  Zest limes and place the zest in a large salad bowl.
3.  Place the lime juice, vinegar, garlic, chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt and sugar in a blender.  Process until smooth.  Add the oil until incorporated.  Add the cilantro and pulse.
4. Place the pasta in the bowl with the lime zest.  Add black beans, tomatoes, diced pepper, green onions, corn (no need to thaw the corn).  Toss with the dressing.  Add additional salt and pepper if needed.  For best results, chill for 1 hour before serving.  Sprinkle cheese on top before serving.