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Fresh Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Zesty Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

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A fresh and zesty pasta salad featuring black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and a cilantro lime vinaigrette, perfect for summer gatherings and easy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces small shell or rotini pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels, thawed if frozen
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced (optional)
  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of small shell or rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While the pasta cooks, rinse and drain 1 can of black beans. If using frozen corn, thaw about 1 cup and pat dry. Dice 1 red bell pepper, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, finely chop 1/4 cup red onion, and roughly chop 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/3 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously until fully emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Add the black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro to the bowl with the cooled pasta. If desired, gently fold in 1 diced ripe avocado right before serving to avoid browning.
  5. Pour the zesty cilantro lime vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, give it a final gentle toss and adjust salt or lime juice if needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Soak red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow sharpness if desired. Add avocado just before serving to avoid browning. The salad tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes. Adjust chili powder or cayenne to control heat level. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten sensitivity. Dressing can be shaken in a jar if no whisk is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, pasta salad, cilantro lime vinaigrette, black beans, summer salad, easy pasta salad, vegetarian, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/fresh-cowboy-caviar-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-cilantro-lime-vinaigrette/