Go Back
+ servings
Healthy Black Bean & Corn Pasta Salad

Vibrant Healthy Black Bean & Corn Pasta Salad for Summer Fun

This Healthy Black Bean & Corn Pasta Salad combines vibrant flavors and high protein, making it a perfect addition to your summer meals.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 oz Rotini Pasta Feel free to switch to any short pasta like penne or fusilli.
For the Salad
  • 1 can Black Beans 15 oz, rinse to keep salad fresh.
  • 1 can Corn 11 oz, use fresh corn during peak season for an extra treat.
  • 1 cup Fresh Spinach You can swap in kale or arugula if preferred.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro Parsley works well too if cilantro isn’t your thing.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt Try mayonnaise for a different, richer flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Helps emulsify your dressing.
  • ½ tbsp Minced Garlic Fresh garlic is best for maximum taste.
  • 1 tsp Cumin Chili powder is a good alternative.
  • ½ tsp Smoked Paprika Feel free to replace it with regular paprika if preferred.
  • 1 tsp Sugar Omit it for a tangier version.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to suit your taste.
  • Juice of 2 limes Lime Juice Freshly squeezed juice always yields the best results.
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise Optional for a creamier dressing if desired.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 16 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente; drain and cool under running water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and ½ tablespoon of minced garlic until smooth. Add cumin, smoked paprika, sugar, and salt. Squeeze in lime juice, mixing well to combine.
  3. Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the dressing. Incorporate black beans, corn, fresh spinach, and chopped cilantro. Gently fold everything together until well coated in the dressing.
  4. Taste your salad and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lime juice as desired.
  5. For the best flavor experience, serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 12gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Rinse canned black beans and corn well to prevent excess liquid from diluting the dressing. Customize the dressing based on your preference for richness and flavor. Prepare a day in advance for better flavor melding.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!