Go Back
+ servings
Healthy Black Bean & Corn Pasta Salad

Zesty Healthy Black Bean & Corn Pasta Salad for Fresh Flavor

This Healthy Black Bean & Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant, protein-packed dish that’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for potlucks or light lunches.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta Any short noodle pasta can be substituted.
For the Salad
  • 1 can Black Beans Rinse well to reduce sodium.
  • 1 cup Corn Canned corn, drained.
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Can substitute with kale.
  • ½ cup Fresh Cilantro Optional, skip if not a fan.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Full Fat Plain Greek Yogurt Sour cream can be substituted.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Use a good quality oil.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Adjust according to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin A little goes a long way!
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be used.
  • 1 pinch Sugar Balances acidity.
  • 1 pinch Salt Adjust according to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Limes Juiced.
  • ¼ cup Mayonnaise Optional for extra creaminess.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces of rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente for about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Rinse and Cool the Pasta: Drain the pasta and rinse under cool running water for a couple of minutes. Set aside to drain.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Lime Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, a pinch of sugar, and salt. Squeeze in the juice of 2 limes, whisk until smooth.
  4. Mix the Ingredients: Add the drained rotini pasta to the dressing. Fold in 1 can of drained black beans, 1 cup of drained corn, 2 cups of fresh spinach, and ½ cup of chopped cilantro. Stir to combine.
  5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lime juice or salt if needed.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 18gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a drizzle of dressing before serving to refresh flavors.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!