Name: Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini pasta; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen); 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 yellow bell pepper, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, finely diced; 1 avocado, diced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste

Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is the ultimate mash-up of fresh Southwestern flavors and satisfying pasta in one colorful, hearty bowl. Inspired by the classic cowboy caviar dip, this version takes things up a notch by folding in tender cooked pasta that soaks up all the zesty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors of the dressing. It’s perfect for a picnic, potluck, or quick dinner that doesn’t require heating up the kitchen.

This salad is packed with vibrant veggies like corn, bell peppers, red onion, black beans, and tomatoes, then tossed with a homemade lime vinaigrette that ties it all together beautifully. It’s the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day, making it a meal-prepper’s dream. One bite and you’ll understand why this has become a go-to favorite for families and parties alike.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

It’s bold, refreshing, and brings a party of flavors with every forkful. The pasta adds a creamy contrast to the crunch of vegetables and beans. Plus, the homemade dressing is so simple, yet so flavorful, you’ll want to use it on all your salads.

Whether you need a make-ahead lunch, an easy weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this pasta salad checks all the boxes. It’s gluten-free friendly (just use gluten-free pasta), budget-conscious, and highly customizable.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work best for this salad. They hold onto the dressing and all the chunky add-ins perfectly. Whole wheat or gluten-free versions also work well if you want to switch it up. Avoid long noodles, which don’t combine as nicely with the other ingredients.

Ingredients for the Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

This salad uses simple ingredients, but when combined, they create a dish that’s bright, balanced, and full of texture. Choose the freshest produce you can find, and let the flavors shine.

Rotini pasta
Black beans
Corn kernels
Red bell pepper
Yellow bell pepper
Cherry tomatoes
Red onion
Avocado
Fresh cilantro
Lime juice
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Honey
Chili powder
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper

How To Make the Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Beans

While the pasta cooks, rinse and drain the black beans and corn. Dice the bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and cube the avocado. Chop the cilantro last to keep it fresh.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a bowl or jar, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust to your liking. The balance of tangy and sweet should pop.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beans, corn, veggies, and cilantro. Drizzle the dressing over and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Add the avocado last and toss lightly to avoid smashing it.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature. It keeps well for up to 3 days.

How to Serve and Store This Pasta Salad

This Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad feeds about 6 to 8 people as a side, or 4 as a main dish. It’s a solid option for outdoor gatherings since it doesn’t rely on dairy-based dressings. Just keep it chilled in a cooler until you’re ready to eat.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a gentle toss before serving again. If it feels dry the next day, splash in a little extra lime juice or olive oil to freshen it up.

What to Serve With Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad?

Grilled Chicken Thighs

Juicy, smoky grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the bold tang of this pasta salad.

BBQ Pulled Pork

The sweet and savory combo of pulled pork on a bun alongside this salad is summer on a plate.

Spicy Shrimp Skewers

If you like some heat, grilled shrimp adds a pop of flavor that complements the lime and cilantro notes.

Veggie Burgers

For a meatless option, pair this salad with hearty black bean or sweet potato burgers.

Tortilla Chips

Yes, chips! Scoop up the salad like a chunky salsa. It’s fun and delicious.

Jalapeño Cornbread

Add a slice of warm cornbread for a comforting, Southern-style duo.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Double down on the corn flavors with charred, buttery cobs on the side.

Iced Sweet Tea

For drinks, nothing beats a tall glass of sweet tea to balance the spices.

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you love this Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad, you’ll definitely want to try some of our other pasta-inspired favorites:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use jalapeños or add grilled corn? Did you add a protein to turn it into a meal?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and more pasta salad inspiration on Mia Recipes on Pinterest.