Description
This Cowboy Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender orzo pasta with fresh vegetables, black beans, and a zesty chipotle-lime dressing. Perfect as a quick side or light main, it offers a delightful mix of textures and southwestern-inspired flavors, ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
Vegetables & Beans
- 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
Dressing
- 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: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, chipotle powder, cumin powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until the ingredients are well blended to create a smooth, flavorful dressing.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled orzo, diced tomato, diced bell pepper, diced red onion, drained corn kernels, black beans, and chopped cilantro. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Dress and Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to ensure every component is coated evenly in the spiced lime dressing. The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature according to preference.
Notes
- Use maple syrup as a vegan alternative to honey if desired.
- Adjust chipotle powder to taste for preferred spice level.
- For added crunch, consider topping with toasted pepitas or chopped nuts.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours in advance to allow flavors to meld.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.