Description
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender orzo pasta with fresh vegetables, black beans, corn, and a zesty chipotle-lime dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and a smoky, tangy flavor that celebrates Southwestern-inspired ingredients.
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: Cook the orzo according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain it thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- 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. Secure the lid and shake well until all ingredients are emulsified and well mixed.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled orzo, black beans, corn kernels, diced bell pepper, diced tomato, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared chipotle-lime dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated with flavorful dressing.
- Serve: Serve the Cowboy Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature for the best taste.
Notes
- To save time, use pre-cooked orzo or leftover pasta.
- Adjust the chipotle powder to control the level of smokiness and heat.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated; flavors will meld nicely.
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add avocado chunks for extra creaminess and nutrition.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in the dressing.
