Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 8 oz boxes of pasta shells
I used chickpea pasta
- 1 can drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 can drained and rinsed black eyed peas
- 1 can drained sweet corn
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 bell peppers
orange, red, or yellow
- 1/2 red onion
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2-3 limes juiced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 6 oz feta cheese
vegan or regular
- salt to taste
Directions
- 1
Boil water and make pasta as directed, but cook 1-2 minutes less than the box instructs to keep pasta from getting mushy, then let cool
- 2
Dice onion and peppers keeping them similar in size
- 3
Chop grape or cherry tomatoes in half
- 4
Finely chop cilantro
- 5
Drain and rinse beans and corn
- 6
Mix together olive oil, red wine vinegar, juice from limes, and maple syrup
- 7
In a large bowl add cooked pasta, onions, peppers, beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro. Mix pasta together then add the dressing and feta and toss.
Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 32 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Transforming a beloved dip into a satisfying main, this Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad takes all the vibrant flavors you love and elevates them into a hearty, healthy meal. If you're looking for a dish that's bursting with freshness and flavor, yet incredibly easy to prepare, you've found your new go-to.
This recipe works by combining a colorful medley of fresh vegetables and robust plant-based proteins with a zesty, bright dressing. The genius is in the balance—sweet corn, crunchy bell peppers, and juicy tomatoes meet hearty black beans and black-eyed peas, all tossed with a tangy lime-vinegar dressing that ties every ingredient together beautifully. It’s a filling dish that never feels heavy, thanks to the abundance of fresh produce.
Expect a pasta salad that’s visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures, from the tender pasta shells (especially chickpea pasta for extra substance) to the crisp bell peppers and the creamy feta. The dressing provides a refreshing tanginess that brightens the whole dish, making it perfect for warm weather or a vibrant addition to any meal. This is a robust yet refreshing salad that truly satisfies.
Feel free to customize this Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad to your liking. You can swap the chickpea pasta shells for any small pasta shape you prefer, like ditalini or elbow macaroni. Experiment with different bell pepper colors—orange, red, or yellow will add their own sweet notes. For a fully plant-based version, simply ensure you use vegan feta cheese, which melts seamlessly into the salad's texture.
This vibrant pasta salad is ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a healthy and filling lunch throughout the week. Serve it chilled, allowing the flavors to meld, for the best experience. It's fantastic on its own or as a bright side dish.