Easy Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad Side Dish Recipe for BBQs, Cookouts and Potlucks

If you need an easy pasta salad for BBQs, cookouts, potlucks, side dishes, or simple lunches, this Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is a great one to make. It’s loaded with pasta, beans, corn, and fresh veggies tossed in a zesty dressing that gives it lots of flavor without a lot of work. It’s filling, easy to prep ahead, and always a crowd favorite.

I like how versatile this pasta salad is since you can serve it as a side or enjoy it as a main dish for a busy weeknight dinner.

How to Make Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

Here are the ingredients you need to make this Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad recipe, plus step by step instructions for how to make it.

Ingredients

• 16 oz rotini pasta
• 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 oz can corn, drained
• ½ cup finely diced red onion
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno, diced
• 1 cup Italian dressing

Step by Step Instructions

1. Cut all of the vegetables into small bite-sized pieces and set aside.

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender according to the package directions. Drain well, then rinse under cold water, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is completely cooled.

3. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped vegetables and toss everything together until evenly combined.

4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir well so all of the ingredients are coated.

5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend together before serving.

6. Give the pasta salad a good stir before serving. If it looks a little dry after chilling, mix in a splash of extra dressing.

Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is one of those easy recipes that works for just about any occasion. You can bring it to a cookout, serve it with dinner, or keep it in the fridge for quick lunches during the week. It’s fresh, hearty, and simple to throw together with everyday ingredients.

Print Recipe

Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

This Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is fresh, hearty, and easy to make. It's Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, cookouts, and meal prep lunches.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Chill Time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Servings: 8

Author: Carol

Ingredients

• 16 oz rotini pasta
• 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 oz can corn, drained
• ½ cup finely diced red onion
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno, diced
• 1 cup Italian dressing

Instructions

• Cut all of the vegetables into small bite-sized pieces and set aside.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender according to the package directions. Drain well, then rinse under cold water, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is completely cooled.
• Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped vegetables and toss everything together until evenly combined.
• Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir well so all of the ingredients are coated.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend together before serving.
• Give the pasta salad a good stir before serving. If it looks a little dry after chilling, mix in a splash of extra dressing.