Description
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the hearty goodness of orzo pasta with protein-packed black beans and fresh, colorful vegetables. Perfect for any occasion, from casual picnics to festive potlucks, this salad is not only quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes—but also highly customizable based on your preferences. Its zesty dressing infused with lime and chipotle adds a delightful kick, making each bite satisfying and refreshing. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with grilled meats, Cowboy Pasta Salad is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 large bell pepper, 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 under cold water.
- In a small jar, combine olive oil, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), chipotle powder, cumin powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Shake well.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked orzo with black beans, corn, bell peppers, tomato, red onion, and cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg