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Fresh Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Cilantro Lime Dressing

Fresh Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad - featured image
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A vibrant and fresh pasta salad featuring black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a tangy cilantro lime dressing. Ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cools, dice the red bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and rinse the canned black beans. Soak the onion in cold water for 10 minutes if you want to mellow the bite, then drain.
  3. In a small bowl or Mason jar, combine fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified. Stir in chopped fresh cilantro.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, and red onion. Pour the cilantro lime dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado and an extra handful of fresh cilantro for garnish to keep the avocado fresh and prevent browning.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and keep it firm. Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Adjust seasoning after chilling. Dressing may separate after chilling; whisk before tossing again. Substitute gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option and agave syrup for honey for vegan option.

Nutrition

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

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