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Creamy One-Pot Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy one-pot pasta salad combining black beans, sweet corn, fresh veggies, and a creamy ranch dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) rotini pasta
  • 1 cup (170g) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (150g) canned sweet corn, drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (30g) fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain, rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, dice 1 red bell pepper, finely chop 1 small red onion, halve 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, and chop about 1/2 cup (30g) cilantro if using. Drain and rinse 1 cup (170g) canned black beans and 1 cup (150g) canned corn thoroughly.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream, 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise, 1 packet (28g) ranch seasoning mix, 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lime juice, and 1 minced garlic clove. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Return the drained pasta to the pot (off heat). Add black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, and cilantro. Pour the creamy dressing over and gently toss everything with a wooden spoon or spatula until well coated.
  5. Cover the pot and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Give it a gentle stir before serving. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to stop further cooking and prevent mushiness. Drain canned beans and corn well to avoid watery salad. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. For a lighter dressing, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Add diced avocado or jalapeño for variations. Use gluten-free pasta or quinoa for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy caviar, pasta salad, creamy dressing, summer salad, one-pot recipe, black beans, sweet corn, ranch seasoning

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/creamy-one-pot-cowboy-caviar-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/