Description
This Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is your go-to for a zesty, hearty side or light main dish that bursts with bold Tex-Mex flavor. Packed with colorful veggies, tender pasta, beans, and a homemade tangy dressing, it’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or quick lunches. Easy to prep, full of fiber, and totally customizable, this is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes for quick meals, party food, and healthy dinner ideas. Whether you’re looking for vibrant food ideas or a protein-packed salad twist, this is the perfect summer-friendly recipe to keep in rotation!
Ingredients
8 oz rotini pasta
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup pepperoni slices, chopped
1 jalapeño, finely diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Let cool.
2. While pasta cooks, chop the peppers, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Drain and rinse beans and corn.
3. In a bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, beans, corn, chopped veggies, and pepperoni. Pour the dressing over everything and toss until evenly coated.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor dramatically.
For a vegan version, omit the pepperoni or replace with a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cowboy caviar pasta salad, easy summer salad, pasta salad, cold picnic side