Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is a colorful and protein-packed dish made with chickpea pasta, beans, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect as a healthy meal or side dish, it’s customizable, nutrient-rich, and bursting with flavor.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

2 (8 oz) boxes chickpea pasta shells

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

1 can sweet corn, drained

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 bell peppers (orange, red, or yellow), diced

1/2 red onion, diced

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

23 limes, juiced

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 tbsp maple syrup

6 oz feta cheese (regular or vegan)

Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil water and cook pasta according to package directions, but 1–2 minutes less than recommended for firm texture. Drain and cool.
  2. Dice the onion and bell peppers into even sizes. Halve the tomatoes and chop cilantro.
  3. Drain and rinse the black beans, black-eyed peas, and corn.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, and maple syrup to make the dressing.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, vegetables, beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro. Toss well.
  6. Add dressing and feta cheese, then gently toss until evenly coated.
  7. Season with salt to taste and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use vegan feta or omit cheese for a dairy-free version.
  • Substitute chickpea pasta with any pasta of choice, including gluten-free.
  • For a spicy twist, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Flavors develop even more if made ahead and chilled overnight.
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling & Tossing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg