Chile Pasta Salad Recipes

CREAMY LATIN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, stir with a wooden spoon, and cook until tender but not mushy, about 10 minutes. Drain, place in a large bowl and set aside.
• While the pasta cooks, combine the evaporated milk, oil, feta, cilantro, lime juice and some salt and pepper in a blender. Puree until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
• Place the drained pasta in a large bowl. Add the ham, bell peppers, peas, onions, jicama and olives. Pour the dressing over the pasta and gently mix it into the salad. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours before serving.

MEXICALI PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
• Mix black beans, corn, green chilies, red bell pepper, Italian dressing, Mexican cheese, green onions, cilantro, onion, taco seasoning, and lime juice together in a bowl. Add rotini and lightly stir to combine.

PASTA SALAD WITH ROASTED EGGPLANT, CHILE AND MINT

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. On rimmed baking sheet, toss together eggplant, 3 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Spread into one layer. Roast, tossing occasionally, until the eggplant is golden brown, about 25 minutes.
• Place tomato in large bowl and sprinkle lightly with salt.
• Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne to al dente according to package instructions; drain well.
• While pasta cooks, heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil. Stir in garlic, anchovies and chile flakes, and cook until golden and soft, about 3 minutes. Turn off heat and, using slotted spoon, transfer garlic to cutting board. Let garlic cool for a few minutes, then chop up and add back to the oil. Pour garlic-chile into bowl with tomatoes. Add eggplant and capers, and toss well.
• Add pasta to bowl with eggplant and tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste, and drizzle generously with oil. Toss in herbs and serve warm or at room temperature.

HOT COOL PASTA SALAD WITH GREEN CHILE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Place the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Prepare the Green Chile Vinaigrette and pour over the salad. Fold gently until dressing is well distributed. Line plates with assorted greens and place pasta salad on top.
• **For Vinaigrette:.
• Leave the skin on the garlic clove. Roast in a dry hot skillet, turning several times until softened and brown in spots, about 10 minutes. Put all ingredients in a blender or food processor and process until smooth and emulsified. Leftovers will keep 4-5 days in refrigerator.
• ***For Chile Lime Chips:.
• Heat oven to 400 deg. Combine salt & chile powder, mix well. Brush one side of each tortilla with lime juice and sprinkle with salt mixture. Cut into 6 or 8 triangles and place chile side up in a single layer on baking sheets. Bake for 7-8 minute or until browned. Cool and store in a ziploc bag until ready to serve with salads, dips, or sandwiches.