Description
This Black Bean & Corn Pasta Salad is a creamy, zesty, and protein-packed dish made with rotini, black beans, sweet corn, and a tangy lime yogurt dressing. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners, it’s fresh, satisfying, and full of bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Salad
- 16 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (11-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
For the Creamy Dressing
- 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 2 fresh limes
Optional
- ½ cup mayonnaise (for a richer, creamier texture)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool. - Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, sugar, salt, and fresh lime juice until smooth and creamy. - Combine Ingredients
Add the cooled pasta, black beans, corn, chopped spinach, and cilantro into the bowl with the dressing. - Toss the Salad
Gently mix until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. - Adjust Flavor
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. - Serve or Chill
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1–2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Rotini works best because it holds onto the dressing beautifully.
- Fresh lime juice is highly recommended for the best flavor.
- For extra creaminess, add mayonnaise to the dressing.
- This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg