Description
This Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad blends creamy pasta goodness with zesty Tex-Mex flair in one colorful, crave-worthy dish. Packed with black beans, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and crispy bacon, it’s a high-protein, flavor-packed recipe ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or easy lunches. Whether you’re after a quick side or a chilled dinner idea, this pasta salad delivers bold flavor and irresistible texture — a perfect addition to your list of healthy snack and dinner ideas.
Ingredients
300g rotini pasta
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped chives or cilantro
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon taco seasoning or chili powder blend
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. While pasta cools, prep the tomatoes, onion, and herbs. Cook and crumble bacon if using. Rinse black beans and corn.
3. In a medium bowl, mix mayo, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, bacon, and herbs. Pour dressing over and toss well.
5. Chill salad in the fridge for 30+ minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs or lime if desired.
Notes
Use Greek yogurt for extra protein and tang.
Skip the bacon for a vegetarian version.
Best made ahead — flavors develop as it chills.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cowboy caviar pasta salad, cold pasta salad, BBQ side, healthy salad, easy lunch, Tex-Mex recipe