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Fresh Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad with Zesty Chili Lime Dressing

Fresh Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad - featured image
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A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad combining black beans, corn, fresh veggies, and a zesty chili lime dressing. Perfect for quick meals, summer gatherings, and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta, cooked al dente and cooled
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn, thawed if frozen
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced (optional)
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, rinse and drain black beans and corn. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice red bell pepper, finely chop red onion and cilantro. Dice avocado last if using to avoid browning.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, cumin, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Add beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and cilantro to the cooled pasta. Pour dressing over and gently fold to coat evenly. Fold in avocado last if using.
  5. Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Add avocado last to avoid browning. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Adjust chili powder for desired heat. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet. Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for vegan version.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, cowboy caviar, chili lime dressing, black beans, corn, summer salad, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/fresh-cowboy-caviar-pasta-salad-easy-zesty-chili-lime-dressing-recipe/