Southwestern Sweet Potato and Black Bean Pasta Salad Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound short pasta, such as penne or bow-tie
• 5 chipotles in adobo sauce, divided
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 6 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt, plus more to taste, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2/3 cup minced red onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425F (220C).
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. To make the vinaigrette: Place 2 chipotle peppers and 1 tablespoon of chipotle sauce into a blender. Add garlic, oregano, honey, and red wine vinegar. Blend on high until well combined.
4. While blending, slowly drizzle in 2/3 cup olive oil until smooth. Set the vinaigrette aside.
5. Chop the remaining chipotle peppers finely and stir them into the vinaigrette. Refrigerate until ready to use.
6. In a separate bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, black pepper, and the remaining salt. Spread the potatoes evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with non-stick spray.
7. Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until browned and tender. Remove from the oven and set aside.
8. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with black beans, red onion, and cilantro. Toss everything together.
9. Add the roasted sweet potatoes and 3/4 cup of the chipotle vinaigrette, or more if desired. Toss gently, reserving any extra vinaigrette for later use.
10. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the crumbled cotija cheese.
11. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	384
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	12mg
Sodium	1278mg
Total Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	6g
Total Sugars	7g
Protein	10g
Vitamin C	8mg
Calcium	139mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	426mg

Recipe Source: Nicole McLaughlin

Origin of the Southwestern Sweet Potato and Black Bean Pasta Salad

The Southwestern Sweet Potato and Black Bean Pasta Salad is inspired by the bold, vibrant flavors typical of Southwestern and Tex-Mex cuisine. The combination of sweet potatoes and black beans offers a hearty, nutrient-packed base, while the chipotle vinaigrette adds a smoky, spicy touch that evokes the distinctive flavor profile of the American Southwest. The Southwestern region, known for its rich agricultural traditions, has long celebrated ingredients like corn, beans, chili peppers, and sweet potatoes. This pasta salad is a modern, fusion interpretation, blending traditional Southwestern staples with pasta for a hearty and refreshing salad option.

Regional Variations and Adaptations

In Southwestern cuisine, the use of sweet potatoes and black beans is widespread. However, the preparation of these ingredients can vary depending on the region. In Mexico, sweet potatoes are often roasted or mashed and served with a variety of meats or incorporated into soups. Black beans are a staple in many Latin American dishes, from simple rice and beans to more complex stews and salads. The addition of pasta, however, is a unique twist found more commonly in fusion dishes, such as this salad, combining the essence of traditional Southwestern ingredients with pasta, which is more typical of Italian or Mediterranean cuisine.

Distinguishing Features from Similar Dishes

What sets the Southwestern Sweet Potato and Black Bean Pasta Salad apart from other similar pasta salads is its bold chipotle vinaigrette dressing, which incorporates smoked chipotles in adobo sauce. This gives the salad a distinctive smoky, spicy flavor that is characteristic of Southwestern cuisine. While other pasta salads may feature creamy dressings or lighter vinaigrettes, the use of a chipotle-based dressing adds an exciting depth of flavor. Additionally, roasted sweet potatoes in this recipe add a rich, caramelized sweetness that complements the earthy taste of the black beans and the tanginess of the vinaigrette.

Where It's Typically Served

This pasta salad is a versatile dish often served as a side at barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings. Its hearty yet refreshing qualities make it a perfect complement to grilled meats, such as chicken, pork, or beef. It can also be served as a light main dish for vegetarians or anyone seeking a wholesome, plant-based option. In the Southwest United States, it is not uncommon to find variations of this salad at local cafes, food trucks, and restaurants specializing in Tex-Mex or Southwestern cuisine. Additionally, it is an ideal dish for meal prep, as the flavors develop over time when stored in the refrigerator.

Interesting Facts About Southwestern Cuisine

• The Southwestern region of the United States, often called the "four corners" region (which includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah), is known for its unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican culinary influences.
• Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They are an essential crop in the Southwestern United States, where they grow well in the regions arid climate.
• Black beans are a staple in many cultures across the Americas, from Mexico to Brazil, due to their ability to grow in various climates and their versatility in cooking.
• The chipotle pepper, which is a smoked and dried jalapeo, is a key ingredient in many Southwestern and Mexican dishes. It adds a rich, smoky heat that is both flavorful and aromatic.
• Cotija cheese, used in this recipe, is a hard, crumbly cheese often compared to Parmesan. Its commonly used in Mexican cuisine to add a salty, tangy flavor to dishes like tacos, salads, and elote (Mexican street corn).

FAQ about Southwestern Sweet Potato and Black Bean Pasta Salad Recipe