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Fresh Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Avocado Lime Dressing

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A vibrant and creamy cowboy caviar pasta salad tossed with a smooth, tangy avocado lime dressing. Perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or thawed if frozen
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing if needed)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
  3. While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and chop the cilantro if using. Drain and rinse black beans and measure out corn kernels.
  4. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Add water if dressing is too thick.
  5. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
  6. Pour the avocado lime dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly.
  7. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta just until al dente and rinse under cold water to prevent mushiness. Make dressing fresh and store airtight with extra lime juice to prevent browning. Soak red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow sharpness. Add water or lime juice to thin dressing if needed. For a spicy kick, add jalapeño or cayenne to dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, pasta salad, avocado lime dressing, summer salad, easy salad, vegan salad, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/fresh-cowboy-caviar-pasta-salad-recipe-with-easy-avocado-lime-dressing/