southwest pasta salad

I made this pasta salad for a Mother's Day cookout over the weekend, and it was a big hit. I'm not a fan of normal pasta salad recipes because they call for Italian dressing or some sort of vinegar based dressing. This recipe is different,  and calls for Ranch dressing- so unhealthy, i know- but totally delicious. I will note that I substituted out the tomatoes for a can of Rotel for ease and quickness since this was made sort of last minute. 

Ingredients:

16 oz. rotini pasta

2/3 cups Ranch dressing

1 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 15 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed

2 large tomatoes, chopped

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 ½ tbsp ground cumin

½ tbsp chili powder

1 tsp onion powder

¼ tsp dried red pepper flakes

salt and pepper as needed

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water.

2. Place in a large mixing bowl. Mix with Ranch dressing, beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and spices.

3. Chill salad in refrigerator until ready to serve.