Rotini and Black Bean Salad

Bright, colorful, and packed with flavor, this Rotini and Black Bean Salad is a vibrant twist on classic pasta salads that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or weekday lunches. Featuring tender rotini pasta tossed with protein-rich black beans, crisp bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, and aromatic cilantro, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. A zesty lime and cumin dressing, lightly sweetened with honey, ties it all together, delivering a Southwest-inspired flavor profile that’s light yet satisfying. Optional crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy finishing touch for a unique dimension. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy pasta salad is served cold and bursting with fresh vegetables—a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 red onion, finely chopped
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup optional crumbled feta cheese

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, add the drained and rinsed black beans, diced red and yellow bell peppers, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to form the dressing.

Step 4

Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture in the large mixing bowl and gently toss to combine.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss again to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 6

If desired, sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta cheese for a tangy flavor boost.

Step 7

Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1782.4 grams (1782.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2721

Total Fat 92.00g	118%
Saturated Fat 27.20g	136%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g
Cholesterol 107mg	36%
Sodium 2578mg	112%
Total Carbohydrate 382.50g	139%
Dietary Fiber 47.70g	170%
Total Sugars 46.30g
Protein 93.30g	187%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1018mg	78%
Iron 25mg	139%
Potassium 3519mg	75%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.3%

Protein: 13.7%

Carbs: 56.0%