20-Minute Simple Black Bean Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad is incredibly simple to make, yet packed with bold flavors. The tangy lime dressing combined with the creaminess of Greek yogurt makes the perfect base for the earthy black beans and sweet corn. Fresh cherry tomatoes, wild arugula, and cilantro provide an extra layer of freshness, making each bite feel light and refreshing. It’s also highly customizable and can be made in just 20 minutes, making it a great option for meal prep or a last-minute dish to bring to a potluck.

Ingredients

Pasta:

• 8 oz fusilli pasta
• Purified water
• Heavily salted water for boiling the pasta

Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 limes, juiced
• 8 oz Greek yogurt
• 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
• ⅛ tsp roasted cumin powder (optional)
• ⅛ tsp peppercorn
• 1 pinch salt

Pasta Ingredients:

• 1 can canned black beans, drained
• 1 can canned sweet corn, drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup wild arugula
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, cumin powder (if using), peppercorn, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, black beans, sweet corn, halved cherry tomatoes, arugula, and chopped cilantro.
4. Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and veggie mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired, and enjoy your refreshing black bean pasta salad!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this pasta salad a more filling main dish.
• Spicy Option: For a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the dressing, and skip the Greek yogurt for a completely vegan version.
• Additional Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, or red onion to make the salad even more colorful and nutritious.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This pasta salad is best served cold, but you can enjoy it at room temperature if preferred. No need to reheat—just give it a quick stir before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is even better after it sits for a bit, as the flavors have time to meld. Prepare it a few hours or a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute fusilli with any other pasta shape, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.

3. Can I use canned beans?

Yes, canned black beans work perfectly. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding to the salad.

4. How can I make this salad spicier?

For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños to the salad or mix some cayenne pepper into the dressing. You can also drizzle with hot sauce before serving.

5. Can I make this salad without Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can replace the Greek yogurt with sour cream, a dairy-free yogurt alternative, or even a little extra lime juice and olive oil for a lighter dressing.

6. How long will this pasta salad keep in the fridge?

This pasta salad will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.

7. Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, frozen corn works great—just make sure to thaw it before using in the salad.

8. What can I use if I don’t have cumin powder?

If you don’t have cumin powder, you can omit it or use other spices like chili powder, paprika, or coriander for a slightly different flavor.

9. Can I use other greens instead of arugula?

Yes, you can substitute the wild arugula with spinach, mixed greens, or kale if you prefer.

10. Can I add more protein to this pasta salad?

Yes! You can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for extra protein and a heartier meal.

Conclusion

This 20-Minute Simple Black Bean Pasta Salad is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy. With its fresh ingredients and creamy, tangy dressing, it’s a perfect addition to any meal or as a standalone dish. The black beans and corn provide a hearty texture, while the lime dressing adds a refreshing burst of flavor. Whether you make it for a potluck, a quick lunch, or a dinner side, this pasta salad is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!

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