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Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad


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  • Author: Mia Park
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6–8
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad combines bold Tex-Mex flavors with tender pasta, making it the perfect cold pasta salad for potlucks, BBQs, or meal prep. Packed with black beans, corn, and a zesty lime vinaigrette, this easy and refreshing recipe is a colorful crowd-pleaser.


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


Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

2. While the pasta cooks, rinse and drain the black beans and corn. Dice bell peppers, halve cherry tomatoes, finely chop red onion, and cube the avocado.

3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, beans, corn, vegetables, and cilantro. Pour in the dressing and toss gently until everything is coated.

5. Add avocado last and toss carefully to avoid mashing.

6. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Notes

This salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have blended.

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal.

If making ahead, add avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Pasta Salad
  • Method: No-Cook (after pasta)
  • Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg