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Tex-Mex Pasta Salad


Tex-Mex Pasta Salad

Cookout side dishes... some are underwhelming and some are so memorable that you want to ask grandma for the recipe to impress your new girlfriend's family. Not saying that happened, but TOTALLY saying that happened!

This Tex-Mex pasta salad features our Tacos Everyday Rub & takes you on a trip from southeast Texas to the southwest valley with varying flavor profiles that hit all the taste buds! It's such and easy and filling side dish, the few that don't want steaks and burgers will love it as their main dish. You can even make it the night before the cookout and add the avocado and sauce the morning of!

...and yes, the in-laws were impressed! :)

- 1/2 Cup Hook’s Jalapeño Ranch Dipping Sauce/Dressing
- 2 TBS Vinaigrette Dressing or 1 TBS Olive Oil & 1 TBS Vinegar
- 3 Cups Cooked Rotini Pasta (can use Penne or Farfalle "bowtie" pasta as a substitute)
- 1x 15 oz can Black Beans (strained and rinsed)
- 1x 15 oz can Pinto Beans (strained and rinsed)
- 1x Red Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1x Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1x Yellow Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1x Cucumber (diced)
- 2 ears Grilled Corn or 1x 15 oz can of Corn (drained and rinsed)

- 1x Cucumber (chopped)
- 10 oz container of Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 Cup Cilantro (chopped)
- 1x Avocado (diced)
- 1/2 Red Onion (diced)
- 1/2 Cup Cotija Cheese
- 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheese
- 4x TBS lime juice or juice of 2 fresh limes
- (Optional) Chopped Candied Bacon, Chopped Smoked Brisket, Pulled Pork, Chopped Grilled Chicken  

TOOLS:
- Tongs or Large Serving Spoon
- Cookie Sheet Pan (if making the bacon in the oven)
- Sharp Knives 
- Cutting Boards
- Blender for Jalapeno Ranch Dressing
- Lime Juicer
- Large Serving Bowl
METHOD:
1. Prepare the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Grill the corn over a charcoal grill or skillet fry corn in butter until desired char is achieved.
3. While the pasta cooks, make the Jalapeno Ranch dressing.
4. Dice the veggies, halve fruit (tomato) and chop the cilantro.
5. Drain the cooked pasta while running under cold water to halt the cooking process then immediately pour well-drained pasta into the large serving bowl
6. Add in all chopped veggies, tomatoes, cheeses and cilantro.
7. Season with Tacos Everyday to taste.
8. Carefully fold in lime juice, ranch dressing, vinaigrette and mix until well-incorporated. (If using meat, fold in at this step at whatever amount you deem necessary)
9. Finish with another sprinkling of Tacos Everyday and serve.
10. Enjoy with your favorite cool beverage.
** If you like this recipe & have made it, please leave a review, follow us on Instagram: @HooksRub & TikTok: @HooksRub and share it with your friends!

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