15-Minute Southwestern Pasta Salad with Black Beans
This Southwestern pasta salad comes together in just 15 minutes! The vegetarian dish is packed with flavor thanks to the black beans, corn, bell pepper, fresh cilantro, feta cheese, and twist of fresh lime.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 cups corn, (fresh, canned or frozen and thawed)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced (~1 cup)
- 1 red onion, finely diced, (~1 cup)
- ½ to 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced jalapeños, optional
- 4 cups cooked whole grain rotini pasta
- 5 to 6 tablespoons lime juice, (juice of ~3 limes)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoky paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, optional
Instructions
- Warm 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred (if you’re using fresh corn, you’ll notice some golden-brown spots). Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon salt near the end, then remove from heat and let the corn cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled corn with black beans, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeños (if using). Give everything a good toss to mix.
- Add in the cooked pasta and toss again. Drizzle on the lime juice and remaining olive oil. Sprinkle in your seasonings and mix well so every bite is full of flavor. Taste and adjust with extra lime juice, salt, or pepper if you’d like.
- Scoop the salad onto a serving platter and sprinkle optional feta over the top. Enjoy it chilled or at room temp—whatever you’re in the mood for!
Notes
• Nutrition is based on 1 cup. Add 10 calories if you include feta.
Nutrition Information per serving
Serving Size: 1 cupCalories: 220Carbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gTotal Fat: 4.5g— Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g— Saturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 296mgFiber: 8gTotal Sugar: 6g— Natural Sugar: 6g— Added Sugar: 0gVitamin C: 25mg
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.