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Fresh Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad with Zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing

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A quick and easy pasta salad featuring black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing. Perfect for last-minute gatherings and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen sweet corn, sautéed until lightly charred
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced (optional)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz 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 pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chop 1/4 cup red onion, and chop 1/2 cup fresh cilantro. If using avocado, dice it just before assembling to avoid browning.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Add sautéed corn, drained black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro to the bowl with pasta. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly. Add diced avocado last and fold carefully to keep it intact.
  6. Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, toss again and adjust seasoning if needed. Add avocado just before serving if made ahead.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sticking and help it absorb dressing better. Sauté corn until lightly charred for smoky flavor. Shake dressing in a jar for better emulsification. Add avocado just before serving to avoid browning. Soak red onion in cold water if sensitive to raw onion flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, cowboy caviar, cilantro lime dressing, quick salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, potluck recipe, vegan pasta salad, gluten-free option

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