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Fresh Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing

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A vibrant and zesty pasta salad featuring a creamy cilantro lime dressing, black-eyed peas, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta. Perfect for summer, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or thawed frozen corn)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/3 cup olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup diced avocado (added before serving)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain well.
  2. While pasta cooks, rinse and drain 1 cup canned black-eyed peas. Chop 1 cup fresh corn kernels or thaw frozen corn. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 red bell pepper, finely chop 1/2 cup red onion, and mince 1 jalapeño (if using). Chop 1/2 cup fresh cilantro and set all aside.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 minced garlic clove, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Just before serving, optionally fold in diced avocado and sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta well after cooking to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Add dressing gradually to avoid sogginess. Add avocado and cheese just before serving to prevent browning. Salad can be made ahead and stored up to 24 hours chilled. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini. For vegan, replace honey with agave and omit cheese or use plant-based alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, cowboy caviar, cilantro lime dressing, black-eyed peas, summer salad, potluck recipe, easy pasta salad, gluten-free option, vegetarian, vegan option

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/fresh-cowboy-caviar-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-cilantro-lime-dressing/