Tex-Mex Pasta Salad Welcome Side Dish At Neighborhood Potluck
After stormy seasons of snow, wind and rain, neighborhood get-togethers are a wonderful celebration of warm weather. It’s time for a summer block party.
You catch up on old news, find out summer plans and shoot the breeze at these annual gatherings. It’s goodbye to some who are moving away, and welcome to new people.
I’ve heard of potlucks where everyone brought the same thing, such as desserts. We’ve always lucked out at our block parties, however, with a good blend of salads, main dishes and sweets to share.
The potluck meal is always interesting. Some neighbors spend lots of time in their kitchen fixing one or two dishes, such as baked beans, turkey casseroles and cherry cobblers.
Then there are those neighbors with the best of intentions and the fastest of foods. They bring store-prepared fried chicken and potato salad, bags of chips and bakery cookies.
It’s all welcomed, eagerly eaten and greatly appreciated. It is soul-comforting food indeed that brings people together for a block party.
The following recipe travels well to any gathering. Originally it called for ditalini, a tiny tubular-shaped pasta that’s often used in soups and salads. Ditalini is not readily available in this area, however, so substitute another small pasta shape.
To quote Fred Rogers, it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood!
Tex-Mex Pasta and Bean Salad
Adapted from “Quick & Healthy Cooking” (Rodale Press)
6 ounces small-sized pasta, cooked, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups cooked corn
1 cup cooked black beans
3/4 cup diced canned tomatoes with juice
1/2 cup chopped sweet green peppers
1/3 cup mild salsa
1/4 cup chopped onions
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2-2 teaspoons chili powder, or to taste
Optional: 1/2-3/4 pound precooked turkey sausage, sliced
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
Yield: 4-6 servings.
Nutrition information per serving (without sausage): 192 calories, 0.8 grams fat (4 percent fat calories), no cholesterol, 96 milligrams sodium.
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