Black-Eyed Pea & Pasta Salad

Ingredients

Salad Dressing

¹/₄ cup olive oil

¹/₄ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeño chile pepper

1 to 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh garlic

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

¹/₄ teaspoon pepper

Salad

8 ounces (2 cups) uncooked dried gemelli pasta  

1 (15.8-ounce) can black-eyed peas,   rinsed, drained

1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

1 cup small grape tomatoes

¹/₂ cup sliced green onions

4 ounces (1 cup) Cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

 

 *Substitute any twisted or curly pasta. **Substitute 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed, drained.