Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

Bright, bold, and bursting with Southwest flavor, this Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is the perfect fusion of a classic bean salsa and a hearty pasta dish. Packed with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a zesty homemade dressing, this vibrant salad is ideal for summer cookouts, potlucks, or a flavorful weeknight dinner. It’s a colorful and satisfying crowd-pleaser with a Tex-Mex twist!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor-Packed – Zesty, tangy, and loaded with colorful veggies.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Perfect for Parties – Great for sharing and holds up well outdoors.
Protein-Packed – Thanks to beans and pasta, it’s hearty and filling.
Customizable – Adjust the veggies or spice level to suit your tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:
12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained (or 1 ½ cups fresh/frozen)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup cotija or feta cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch of cayenne (optional for heat)

Optional Add-Ins:
1 jalapeño, finely chopped (for spice)
1 cup cooked chicken or shrimp (for added protein)
½ cup cooked quinoa
Tortilla strips or crushed chips for crunch

Tools You’ll Need
Large pot for cooking pasta
Colander
Mixing bowls
Whisk or jar for shaking dressing
Knife and cutting board
Serving bowl or platter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies
While the pasta cooks, dice the bell peppers, onion, avocado, and tomatoes.
Chop the cilantro and drain the beans and corn.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, mustard, garlic, and all spices until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, black beans, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

Step 5: Add Avocado & Cheese
Gently fold in the diced avocado and sprinkle with cotija or feta cheese if using.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime juice or salt if needed.

Step 6: Chill or Serve
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Just before serving, top with optional tortilla strips or extra cilantro.

Tips for a Great Pasta Salad
Cool the Pasta – Rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness.
Dress Lightly First – Add more dressing if needed just before serving.
Avocado Last – To prevent browning, add it right before serving.
Customize Freely – Mix in diced mango, cucumber, or cooked grains.
Make It a Meal – Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

Serving Suggestions
Potluck Favorite – Bright and festive on any buffet table.
Lunch Bowl – Pack for work with tortilla chips on the side.
Cookout Companion – Serve with grilled meats or veggie skewers.
Taco Tuesday Side – Complements tacos, quesadillas, or enchiladas.
Snack Platter – Use as a chunky dip with corn chips.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For best texture, store avocado separately and mix in just before serving.

Reheating:
No reheating needed – this dish is served chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
   Yes! Penne, fusilli, or shells all work well.
2. Is this dish vegan?
   It is if you skip the cheese or use a dairy-free version.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Absolutely—make up to a day ahead, but add avocado and cheese just before serving.
4. What’s a good substitute for red wine vinegar?
   Apple cider vinegar or lime juice works great too.
5. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes, just use gluten-free pasta.

Final Thoughts
Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is everything you want in a summer dish—vibrant, nutritious, and full of Southwestern flair. With a medley of fresh vegetables, beans, pasta, and a zesty dressing, it’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying solo. Whether you’re headed to a BBQ or prepping weekday lunches, this salad brings flavor and fun to your table.

Give it a try and see why it’s quickly becoming a go-to summer favorite!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American-Southwest

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 10g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 7g | Sodium: 330mg

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