Print

Hearty Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad Recipe Easy for Summer BBQs

cowboy caviar pasta salad recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A vibrant and hearty pasta salad combining classic cowboy caviar ingredients with rotini pasta, perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks. This fresh, zesty salad features black beans, corn, avocado, and a tangy lime dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or your favorite short pasta (fusilli, penne)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup sweet corn, fresh or frozen (thawed)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Juice of 2 medium limes
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain well.
  2. While pasta cooks, rinse and drain black beans. Dice red bell pepper, halve cherry tomatoes, finely chop red onion, and chop cilantro if using. Dice avocado just before mixing to prevent browning.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Gently fold in diced avocado last.
  5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is coated. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice if needed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse pasta after cooking to stop cooking process and cool it. Dice avocado just before mixing to prevent browning. Chill salad at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Save some pasta water to loosen dressing if salad feels dry. For vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, pasta salad, summer BBQ, black beans, corn, avocado, lime dressing, easy recipe, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/hearty-cowboy-caviar-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-for-summer-bbqs/