Recipe: Pasta, Corn and Black Bean Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

PASTA, CORN AND BLACK BEAN SALAD

2 cups cooked pasta*
1 1/2 cups corn kernels
3/4 cup (cooked) black beans, rinsed and drained
6 tablespoons finely chopped red and green bell peppers
3 tablespoons sliced celery
5 tablespoons bottled or homemade salad dressing (recipe follows)
Fresh cilantro leaves (to garnish)

Combine all ingredients for the salad, except cilantro. Serve warm, room temperature or chilled.

*Use radiatore, twists, shells, corkscrews, elbows, or some medium-size, shaped pasta, flavored with vegetables (red bell pepper, spinach, beet, etc.), if desired.

BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
1/8 teaspoon onion powder

Combine ingredients for the dressing.

Makes 5 cups (3-4 servings)
From: Velma, TN - 07-08-97
Adapted from source: California & Washington Food Company, 1996