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Fresh Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad Easy Recipe with Zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing

Fresh Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad - featured image
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A vibrant and fresh pasta salad featuring black beans, corn, tomatoes, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing. Perfect as a side or main dish, this salad is quick to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down quickly. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, rinse and drain 1 can of black beans. Thaw 1 cup frozen corn or use fresh if in season. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chop 1/4 cup red onion, and roughly chop 1/4 cup fresh cilantro. Set all aside.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon honey or agave, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 small minced jalapeño. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously until well combined and slightly emulsified.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lime juice if desired.
  5. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the dressing soak in and the flavors meld. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and garnish with extra cilantro or a wedge of lime if desired.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad at first; add dressing gradually to avoid sogginess. Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after cooking to stop cooking and keep pasta firm. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Use gluten-free or chickpea pasta for gluten-free or higher protein options. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat level.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, cowboy caviar, cilantro lime dressing, black beans, corn, easy recipe, vegan, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/fresh-cowboy-caviar-pasta-salad-easy-recipe-with-zesty-cilantro-lime-dressing/