Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad Recipe

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Fresh, colorful, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor, this Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is a vibrant twist on the classic dip. By folding in tender elbow pasta with black beans, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a tangy dressing, you get a hearty side dish that’s ready to steal the spotlight at any picnic, potluck, or BBQ.

It’s the kind of salad that holds up well for hours, making it ideal for warm weather gatherings. Not only is it gorgeous in a bowl, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber, giving you a filling, flavor-loaded option that balances creamy and crunchy with a kick of Southwest zing.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad?

The best pasta for this salad is short, sturdy shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne. These hold the creamy dressing well and give you those perfect forkfuls with a little bit of everything in each bite. Whole wheat or chickpea pasta are great options too if you want an extra health boost or gluten-free alternative.

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Ingredients for the Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad Recipe

• Elbow macaroni: Acts as the hearty base of the salad, giving it substance and texture.
• Black beans: Add protein, color, and that essential cowboy caviar feel.
• Corn (fresh, canned or thawed frozen): For sweetness and bright yellow contrast.
• Cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of flavor in every bite.
• Red onion: Adds sharpness and crunch.
• Avocado: Creamy richness that balances the tangy dressing.
• Cilantro: Fresh herbaceous notes to tie the salad together.
• Lime juice: Brightens and lifts all the flavors.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream: Makes the base of the creamy dressing.
• Mayonnaise: For richness and smooth consistency.
• Taco seasoning: Adds that signature smoky-sweet Southwest kick.

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How To Make the Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly.

Step 2: Mix Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

This creamy dressing will coat every bite with flavor and just the right amount of tang.

Step 3: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

While the pasta cools, dice the avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the red onion, and finely slice the cilantro. Drain the black beans and corn if using canned.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the top and gently stir to coat.

Step 5: Add the Avocado Last

Fold in the diced avocado just before serving to keep it from browning and turning mushy. Taste and adjust with more lime or seasoning if needed.

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How to Serve and Store This Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad Recipe

This pasta salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge before serving to let all the flavors meld beautifully. It’s a showstopper at summer cookouts, picnics, potlucks, or as a meal-prep lunch that’s filling without being heavy.

To store, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The avocado may brown slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious. For the freshest results, consider adding avocado right before each serving.

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What to Serve With Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad Recipe?

Grilled Chicken Skewers

Juicy, smoky skewers complement the cool, creamy salad perfectly.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The sweet and tangy pork pairs beautifully with the zest of the pasta salad.

Baked Tortilla Chips

Use them to scoop bites like a chunky dip for a party twist.

Veggie Burgers

A flavorful, plant-based main with this salad on the side keeps things fresh and satisfying.

Chili Lime Shrimp

A zesty seafood pairing that pops with flavor alongside the Tex-Mex profile.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet, crispy fries add a fun contrast to the creamy, zippy salad.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Double the lime and cilantro for a bright, layered Tex-Mex meal.

Roasted Veggie Tacos

Hearty, savory tacos shine even more with a scoop of this salad on the side.

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Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you loved this Tex-Mex twist, check out these other exciting pasta salad recipes on SavorQueen:

• Pasta Salad with Pepperoni and Italian Dressing: A zesty, deli-inspired classic.
• BLT Pasta Salad: Everything you love about the sandwich, tossed into a creamy salad.
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad: Tangy, spicy, and absolutely addictive.
• Summer Italian Bowtie Pasta Salad: Light and vibrant with fresh herbs and veggies.
• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad: A smoky, creamy elote twist with a pasta base.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this colorful and crowd-pleasing Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad to your Pinterest board so it’s ready for your next BBQ, potluck, or easy lunch prep.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe added jalapeños, crumbled feta, or swapped the pasta shape? I’d love to hear your take—drop your tips or questions in the comments.

Need more ideas like this? Visit me on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration and fresh kitchen ideas.

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