Go Back
+ servings
Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish perfect for summer gatherings, combining rotini pasta with black beans and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Substitution: Fusilli or any short pasta can also be used.
  • 1 can Black Beans Canned beans should be rinsed and drained.
  • 1 cup Corn Can use fresh, canned, or frozen. Substitution: Quinoa for a gluten-free alternative.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Substitution: Diced regular tomatoes can also work.
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper Any color bell pepper can be used; can replace with diced cucumber for fewer calories.
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion Soak in water briefly to reduce pungency if desired.
  • 1 medium Avocado Add just before serving to maintain freshness.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Substitution: Parsley or green onion can be used for less intense flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust to preference.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Provides acidity to balance flavors.
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Use quality extra virgin olive oil for best results.
  • to taste Salt Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavor.
  • to taste Pepper Essential seasonings to enhance overall flavor.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, finely dice the black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and avocado. Place all the diced vegetables in a large mixing bowl and gently mix them together.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined. Set aside.
  4. Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl of vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently, being careful not to mash the avocado.
  5. Cover the mixing bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
  6. After chilling, gently toss the salad, adjust seasoning if necessary, and garnish with fresh herbs or crumbled feta before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Always rinse canned black beans well to remove excess sodium. Letting the salad sit in the fridge will enhance the flavors.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!