Zesty Southern Pasta Bean Salad

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Zesty Southern Pasta Bean Salad.

1. Step 1

   Start by bringing a generous pot of lightly salted water to a vigorous boil.

2. Step 2

   Once bubbling, toss in the pasta shells and let them cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until they reach that perfect al dente texture, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Step 3

   After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process.

4. Step 4

   Next, transfer the cooled pasta into a spacious mixing bowl.

5. Step 5

   Drizzle the Italian-style salad dressing over the pasta and sprinkle in some salt, then give it a good mix to ensure everything is well combined.

6. Step 6

   Now, add in the rinsed pinto beans, black beans, drained corn, and diced tomatoes.

7. Step 7

   For a flavor boost, sprinkle in ground cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and if you like a little heat, some optional red pepper flakes.

8. Step 8

   Season with additional salt and black pepper to your liking, then stir everything together until it’s beautifully blended.

9. Step 9

   Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving; this allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deliciously refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

10. Step 10

    Enjoy the vibrant taste of this pasta salad that’s sure to impress your guests!.