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Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad: A Colorful, Flavorful Feast

Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that combines bold Southwestern flavors with hearty pasta, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta or fusilli as an alternative
For the Salad
  • 1 can Black Beans rinsed for quick prep
  • 1 cup Corn fresh, canned, or frozen based on availability
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes or grape tomatoes as substitute
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper any variety
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion or green onions for a milder flavor
  • 1 Avocado slice just before serving
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro or parsley if preferred
For the Dressing
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder or fresh garlic for a bolder flavor
  • 1 tsp Cumin adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder modify according to spice preference
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice fresh limes preferred for best flavor
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil avocado oil is a substitute

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
  1. Wash and dice the bell pepper and red onion into small pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the avocado just before assembly.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil. Add garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and cilantro. Drizzle the dressing over the top.
Step 5: Toss Gently
  1. Gently toss all the ingredients together, being careful to maintain the avocado's structure.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
  1. Cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 230mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Ensure to taste and adjust seasoning after chilling. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

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