Creamy Tex-Mex Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz. package medium size pasta cooked al dente (cavatappi, rotini, raddiatore, etc.)
• 1/2 cup chopped ham
• 8 oz. Mexican Blend Cheese, shredded, or Monterrey Jack
• 4 scallions, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, seeded, minced
• 3 tbs. chopped bell pepper (mixed colors are nice)
• 2 tbs. chopped celery
• 2 tbs. chopped yellow squash or calabacita squash
• 2 tbs. sliced black olives
• optional:1/2 cup canned black or pinto beans, rinsed
• dressing:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. vinegar
• 1 tsp. Cholula or Tabasco
• 1 tsp. guajillo chile powder or taco seasoning
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 2 tsp chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp. Mexican oregano
• salt and pepper to taste
• garnish: paprika or chile powder