Description
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a colorful and satisfying dish that brings together the bold flavors of southwestern cuisine. This vibrant salad features tender orzo pasta combined with protein-packed black beans, sweet corn, and fresh veggies, all tossed in a zesty lime and chipotle dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, as a side at barbecues, or as a potluck favorite, this salad is both nutritious and delicious. With just 10 minutes of prep time, it’s an easy recipe to whip up for any occasion. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal that bursts with flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/4 medium red onion, diced
- 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp. lime juice
- 1 tbsp. honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp. chipotle powder
- 1/2 tsp. cumin powder
- 1 tsp. sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a small jar, mix olive oil, lime juice, honey/maple syrup, chipotle powder, cumin powder, salt, and pepper; shake to combine.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo with black beans, corn kernels, bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat evenly. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg