Mexican Pasta Salad

Mexican Pasta Salad

1 1/4 lbs. fusilli pasta
1 1/2 T. plus 1/3 c. olive oil
2 1/2 lb. roasted chicken, skinned with meat shredded or 7 c. shredded cooked turkey
4 large tomatoes, seeded and diced (about 4 c.)
3 c. corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
3 large carrots, thinly sliced on diagonal, slices cut lengthwise into thin strips
1/2 large red onion, chopped
2 T. plus 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 T. plus 1 tsp. fresh lime juice
2 jalapeño chilies, seeded and minced
1 1/4 tsp. chili powder
1 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
2 bunches fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped

Cook fusilli pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite; drain. Rinse pasta with cold water to cool. Drain pasta well; transfer to large bowl. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and mix thoroughly to coat.

Add shredded chicken or turkey, diced tomatoes, corn, carrot strips and chopped onion and toss.

Mix Dijon mustard and fresh lime juice in small bowl. Gradually mix in remaining 1/3 cup olive oil. Mix in minced jalapeño chilies, chili powder and ground cumin. Add dressing and chopped fresh cilantro to salad and mix to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

(Salad can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

Makes 8 servings.

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