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Fresh Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad with Zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing

cowboy caviar pasta salad - featured image
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A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad combining cowboy caviar ingredients with a zesty cilantro lime dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen (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 avocado, diced (optional, added just before serving)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta down. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While the pasta cooks, rinse and drain 1 cup black beans and 1 cup corn kernels. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chop 1/4 cup red onion, and chop 1/4 cup fresh cilantro. Add all these to the bowl with pasta.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggie mixture. Toss gently to combine, making sure everything is coated evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Dice 1 ripe avocado and fold it into the salad gently just before serving to avoid mashing and browning.
  6. Serve immediately for a fresh, crunchy bite or chill for 30 minutes to an hour to let flavors meld. If chilling, add avocado just before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse under cold water to prevent clumping. Add avocado just before serving to avoid browning. Start with less dressing and add more as needed to avoid overdressing. You can swap rotini for gluten-free pasta or quinoa for a gluten-free version. Optional additions include grilled chicken, shrimp, queso fresco, or toasted pepitas for extra protein and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, pasta salad, cilantro lime dressing, summer salad, easy pasta salad, gluten-free option, vegetarian, healthy salad

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/fresh-cowboy-caviar-pasta-salad-with-zesty-cilantro-lime-dressing-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/