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Fresh Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

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A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a zesty dressing, perfect for potlucks and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced (add just before serving)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces 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 down. Set aside to drain fully.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. While pasta cooks, drain and rinse black beans thoroughly. Dice red bell pepper, halve cherry tomatoes, slice green onions, and chop cilantro. If using frozen corn, thaw and drain well.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Pour dressing over the mix and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Just before serving, gently fold in diced avocado.

Notes

Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushiness. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Drain and dry beans and corn well to avoid sogginess. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning. For extra flavor, whisk dressing vigorously to emulsify. Can add jalapeños for heat or grilled chicken/shrimp for protein boost.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, cowboy caviar, potluck, side dish, black beans, corn, avocado, easy recipe, vegan, gluten-free

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/fresh-cowboy-caviar-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-potluck-side-dish/