AWHealthy Recipe: Tex Mex Pasta Salad

The ideal lunch for many older adults is quick to put together, packed with carbs and protein to keep you full and includes colorful vegetables. This Tex-Mex Pasta Salad checks all those boxes and by using beans as a protein source, is a low-cost meal! Prep this and keep it in your fridge all week for a ready-to-eat healthy lunch.

What you will need:

• Black Beans - a great source of protein and healthy fat to keep you full.
• Cooked Pasta - we suggest bowtie or fusilli but anything you have in your cupboard will work.
• Canned diced tomatoes - canned tomatoes are full of vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Bell Peppers - fresh bell peppers add crunch and fiber to your salad.
• Onion - red, white, yellow, green or no onion at all will work.
• Cilantro - this fresh or dried herb really adds a punch.
• Salsa - choose a medium or hot salsa to add spice.
• Ranch Dressing - try this homemade Greek yogurt ranch dressing.

You can always add more veggies, like avocados, carrots or cucumbers to the pasta salad. This salad will stay fresh in your fridge for up to five days. Find the full recipe below:

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water and drain again. Pour into a large pasta bowl.
2. Add the black beans, corn, tomato, onion, bell pepper and cilantro to the pasta bowl.
3. Add the ranch dressing and salsa and mix well.
4. Keep it in the fridge for up to five days.