SOUTHWEST LAYERED PASTA SALAD

Southwest Layered Pasta Salad image

Provided by Fran Miller

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 17

some pasta; cooked, rinsed in cool water, drained (wagon wheel pasta is a nice touch) 1/2 pound of uncooked pasta makes enough for 4-6 servings
some salad dressing (ranch or chipotle ranch are my favorites)
some shredded or chopped lettuce
some tomato chunks
some sliced black olives
some chopped onion
some chopped peppers (green, jalapeno, etc...)
some cooked corn, drained & cooled
some black beans; cooked, rinsed in cool water, & drained
some shredded or small chunks of cheese (pepper jack, colby jack, cheddar, etc...)
some crumbled fritos
OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER...
some chicken strips or chunks, seasoned with southwestern spices
some salsa
some sour cream
some crumbled bacon or bacon bits
some ranch-flavored croutons, instead of crumbled fritos

Steps:

1. While pasta is cooking, prepare your chopped vegetables. If using canned corn or black beans, just rinse & drain well. Cover & refrigerate until ready to assemble the salad.
2. Mix the drained & cooled pasta with some of the salad dressing. Cover and refrigerate if you are not ready to eat.
3. When it's time for dinner, layer the pasta, then the vegetables, in a large pasta bowl or individual salad plates.
4. Top with crumbled Fritos and shredded cheese.
5. Decisions, decisions... Will you top with more salad dressing or possibly salsa & sour cream?
6. Whatever you decide, enjoy!