Black Bean Pasta Salad

Created by CatCora on June 7, 2012

Ingredients

6 ounces macaroni pasta (about 1 1/2 cups uncooked, any similar small pasta such as small shells will do)
1 1/2 cups diced plum tomatoes (seeded)
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1 small red onion, diced
1/2 cup diced cucumber (peeled)
1 can (15 ounce) black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 cup corn kernels, (cooked, cooled and drained if canned)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Cubed cheese, any kind that you like, optional

Step 1: Cook macaroni following package directions. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, cucumber, beans, corn and cilantro, toss to blend ingredients.
Step 3: In another bowl combine dressing ingredients, stirring to blend. Pour over the macaroni mixture and gently stir to blend thoroughly. Season as you desire with salt & pepper. Mix in the cubed cheese. Chill for 2 hours then serve.