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Fresh Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

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A vibrant and easy pasta salad featuring black beans, corn, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing, perfect for summer BBQs and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels, lightly cooked or thawed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain well.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, juice of 2 limes, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, rinse and drain 1 can of black beans. Lightly cook or thaw 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels. Dice 1 medium red bell pepper, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, thinly slice 3 green onions, and chop ¼ cup fresh cilantro. If using avocado, dice it just before mixing to avoid browning.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss to coat everything evenly. If using avocado, fold it in last to keep the texture intact.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Give it a gentle toss before serving.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Add avocado just before serving to avoid browning. Fresh lime juice is preferred for best flavor. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes or overnight for better flavor melding. Adjust seasoning after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, pasta salad, black beans, corn, summer BBQ, lime dressing, easy pasta salad, healthy side dish

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/fresh-cowboy-caviar-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-for-summer-bbqs/