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Fresh Southwest Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Lime Black Bean Salad

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A bright and fresh pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, black beans, fresh corn, mini bell peppers, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for quick meals, picnics, and backyard barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or frozen and thawed)
  • 1 cup mini bell peppers, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While the pasta cooks, rinse and drain 1 can of black beans. Dice 1 cup of mini bell peppers and finely chop 1/4 cup of red onion. If using, seed and finely chop 1 jalapeño. Chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
  4. Add the black beans, corn kernels, diced bell peppers, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro to the cooled pasta. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
  5. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the dressing soak in.
  6. Before serving, stir the salad again and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Rinse black beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and canned flavor. Add olive oil slowly when whisking dressing to emulsify. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Chill salad at least 30 minutes before serving. Add extra olive oil and lime juice if salad seems dry after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southwest pasta salad, black bean salad, lime dressing, easy pasta salad, healthy side dish, gluten-free pasta salad, vegan pasta salad

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/fresh-southwest-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-lime-black-bean-salad/