Southwestern Pasta (or Quinoa) Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta
• sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and diced
• salt
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup minced red onion or shallot
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 cup minced parsley or cilantro (can be on the side)
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional - we usually leave out or on the side)

[note: We used to make this with 2 1/2 cups cooked quinoa (or 1 cup raw, if you need to cook it)]

Directions:

Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15 min), and drain.

Mix potatoes, pasta/quinoa, bell pepper, avocado, cayenne (if using), and onion/shallot. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk oil and lime juice together; add to the salad to taste and toss. Garnish with parsley/cilantro. Enjoy!