Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

If you’re craving a bold, zesty twist on traditional pasta salad, this Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is for you! Inspired by the classic cowboy caviar dip, this vibrant dish is loaded with colorful veggies, beans, corn, and a tangy homemade dressing. It’s hearty, refreshing, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, and easy weeknight dinners.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor-Packed – Each bite is bursting with Tex-Mex flavor.
Hearty & Satisfying – Beans and pasta make it filling enough for a main dish.
Colorful & Festive – A visually stunning salad with bold, fresh ingredients.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Flavors deepen as it chills, ideal for meal prep.
Perfect for Gatherings – Easy to double and always a crowd favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 8 oz small pasta (rotini or shells work great)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 avocado, diced (add before serving)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Tools You’ll Need
Large pot for boiling pasta
Mixing bowls
Whisk or jar for dressing
Colander
Chopping board and knife
Large spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool quickly and stop cooking.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Beans
4. While pasta cooks, dice the tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, and avocado.
5. Drain and rinse the beans and corn.
6. Combine all chopped veggies, beans, and corn in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
7. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, honey, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients
8. Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the veggies and beans.
9. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
10. Gently fold in the diced avocado and chopped cilantro.

Step 5: Chill and Serve
11. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
12. Serve chilled, garnished with extra cilantro or a lime wedge if desired.

Tips for the Best Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad
Cool the Pasta – Rinse with cold water to prevent it from getting mushy.
Use Fresh Ingredients – Especially when it comes to lime juice and avocado.
Add Avocado Last – Keeps it from browning and getting mushy.
Let It Chill – Flavors deepen after 30–60 minutes in the fridge.
Double the Dressing – If you love extra flavor or are serving the next day, reserve a bit to refresh the salad before serving.

Serving Suggestions
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp – Makes it a full meal.
Tortilla Chips – Scoop it up like a dip.
Burrito Bowl – Use it as a base for a Tex-Mex style bowl.
Side Dish – Perfect alongside BBQ, burgers, or tacos.
Lettuce Wraps – Spoon into large romaine leaves for a low-carb option.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Avoid Freezing: Fresh veggies and pasta don’t freeze well.

Reheating:
No reheating needed—this salad is served cold or at room temperature.
If needed, refresh with extra lime juice or dressing before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, try bowties, penne, or elbow macaroni—just avoid long noodles.
2. Is this salad vegan?
   Yes, it is naturally vegan and can be made gluten-free with gluten-free pasta.
3. What if I don’t like cilantro?
   Use fresh parsley or green onions instead.
4. Can I make it spicier?
   Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or cayenne to the dressing.

Final Thoughts
Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is everything you want in a summer side dish—vibrant, tangy, and full of satisfying textures. It’s a fresh twist on a beloved dip, made heartier with pasta and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re packing it for a picnic or serving it at your next barbecue, this salad is bound to be a hit.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American-Southwest

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 10g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 6g | Sodium: 380mg

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