Description
Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is a bold and colorful dish that combines tender pasta with black beans, corn, peppers, and a zesty dressing for a hearty, Southwest-inspired side or light meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing or homemade vinaigrette
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, black beans, corn, red and green bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Gently fold in diced avocado just before serving.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a Southwest or chipotle-flavored dressing.
- Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Best served fresh, but if making ahead, add avocado right before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg