Southwest Lentil Pasta Salad [Gluten-Free, Vegetarian]

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Combining a little bit of spicy with a little bit of sweet, this Southwest Lentil Pasta Salad is the perfect vegetarian side dish for your Meatless Monday meal.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received free product samples from Modern Table Meals which I used to create this recipe; however, I was not paid for my opinion. All my opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

UPDATE: Please note the recipe card below has been adjusted to reflect the company’s new product line as the mixed lentil penne I originally used is no longer produced.

Last Monday, I shared my Lentil Pasta with Roasted Garlic, Broccoli and Creamy Red Pepper Sauce after being given two bags of mixed lentil penne from Modern Table. 

At that time, I also mentioned that I would be “showering” you with another recipe using the second bag.

Well, you needn’t wait any longer! The time has come! I present you with Southwest Lentil Pasta Salad!

Combining a little bit of spice with a little bit of sweet, this pasta salad is the perfect side dish for your Meatless Monday meal. In fact, it pairs really well with a big, juicy veggie burger.

Mmm…Mmm…Mmm!

So, what’s going on in this dish? Well, for starters we have the amazing lentil pasta mixed with sweet corn, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, jalapeno, grape tomatoes and pepper jack cheese.

And then, we mix it all together with a shortcut dressing I like to call “fiesta” ranch.

Why do I call it “fiesta” ranch dressing? Well, it’s your basic ranch dressing mixed with taco seasoning.

That’s it! Seriously! It’s that easy! And, it adds an awesome flavor to the mix that complements all those yummy veggies.

This dish is gluten-free, vegetarian and delicious! 🙂

So, are you ready to make it?

OK, then! Let’s get this party…I mean FIESTA…started!

How to Make Southwest Lentil Pasta Salad

Begin by adding taco seasoning to ranch dressing in a small bowl. 

Stir to combine. 

Cover and refrigerate the dressing until ready to use.

Next, cook pasta according to package directions. Then drain and rinse with cold water. Drain again.

Once completely drained, add pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add corn, red and green bell pepper, jalapeno, tomatoes and cheese. Stir to combine.

Stir in dressing.

Garnish with cilantro if desired. Enjoy at room temperature or chilled.

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5 from 1 vote

Southwest Lentil Pasta Salad

Combining a little bit of spicy with a little bit of sweet, this Southwest Lentil Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for your Meatless Monday meal.

Course Appetizer, Pasta, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword gluten free, lentil pasta, meatless monday, pasta, vegetarian

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 9 minutes

Total Time 19 minutes

Servings 6 -8

Author Sherri Hall

Ingredients

• 1 cup store bought ranch dressing (I used Marzetti Simply Dressed)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons taco seasoning
• 1 (8 oz.) package Modern Table Lentil Penne
• 1 cup cooked sweet corn (chilled or room temperature)
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper (seeded)
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (seeded)
• 1 jalapeno (seeded and diced)
• 3/4 cup grape tomatoes (sliced lengthwise)
• 4 oz. cubed pepper jack cheese (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
• Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish (if desired)

Instructions

• Stir taco seasoning into ranch dressing. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Cook pasta according to package directions.
• Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain again.
• Once completely drained, add pasta to a large mixing bowl.
• Add corn, red and green bell pepper, jalapeno, tomatoes and cheese. Stir to combine.
• Stir in dressing.
• Garnish with cilantro if desired.
• Enjoy at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received free product samples from Modern Table Meals which I used to create this recipe; however, I was not paid for my opinion. All my opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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