Black Bean Pasta Salad Recipe
A vibrant and nutritious Black Bean Pasta Salad that combines al dente pasta with fresh vegetables, black beans, and a zesty lime-cumin dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or side dish, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Beans
- 10 oz any short pasta shape (bows, rotini, or macaroni) (283 g)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (19 oz or 2 cups)
Vegetables
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup quartered grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 a red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp lime zest
- Juice from one lime (about 2 tbsp)
- 2 cloves garlic, grated or crushed
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Mix Dressing: In a large mixing or serving bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, lime zest, lime juice, grated garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to emulsify and blend the flavors evenly.
- Prepare Salad Ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, rinse and drain the black beans, prepare the fresh vegetables by dicing the red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion, quarter the grape or cherry tomatoes, and chop the fresh cilantro.
- Mix Salad: Add the drained pasta, black beans, corn kernels, diced vegetables, and chopped cilantro into the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed. For best results, chill the salad for 30-60 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature with extra cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired.
Notes
- Use short pasta shapes like bows, rotini, or macaroni to hold the dressing and ingredients well.
- Chilling the salad before serving enhances the flavors, but it can also be enjoyed immediately.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or tofu if desired.
- Adjust the sweetness and acidity in the dressing by varying maple syrup and vinegar amounts to your taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Keywords: black bean pasta salad, vegan pasta salad, summer salad, healthy salad, vegetarian, gluten free pasta salad
Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/black-bean-pasta-salad-recipe/
