BLACK BEAN SOUTHWEST PASTA
Black Bean Southwest Pasta delivers bold flavours in a vibrant and nutritious bowl, combining classic Tex-Mex ingredients with comforting pasta. Tender rotini is tossed with hearty black beans, sweet corn, creamy avocado and zesty salsa to create a dish that’s both colourful and satisfying. Finished with fresh coriander, this recipe blends creamy, crunchy, and spicy elements, making it a favourite for lunch or dinner. It’s an easy one-bowl meal that requires no complicated preparation, just a few staple ingredients and 15 minutes of your time. Packed with plant protein, fibre and healthy fats, it’s perfect for those seeking quick vegan options without sacrificing flavour. Whether enjoyed warm or cold as a pasta salad, this dish is a refreshing twist on weekday meals and a great way to use up pantry staples creatively.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Southwestern
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Boil, No-Cook, Stir-Fry
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Picnic, Potluck, Cinco De Mayo
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, High Fibre, Quick & Easy, Low Fat
DISH TYPE
Pasta
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup cooked rotini pasta
- ¼ cup black beans
- 2 tbsp corn (canned or cooked)
- 1 tbsp salsa
- ¼ avocado, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional squeeze of lime for serving
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 490.1
- Fat: 9.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6 g
- Carbohydrate: 82.9 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Fiber: 14.3 g
- Sodium: 643.5 mg
- Protein: 20.6 g
- Calcium: 85.9 mg
- Iron: 3.7 mg
- Potassium: 1137.9 mg
PREPARATION
- Cook The Pasta: Boil rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare The Mix-Ins: In a large bowl, add the black beans, corn, and salsa. Mix gently to combine.
- Add Pasta: Toss the warm or cooled pasta into the bowl with the mix-ins and stir well.
- Top And Garnish: Gently fold in the diced avocado and sprinkle with chopped coriander.
- Season And Serve: Add salt, pepper and a fresh squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve immediately or chill for a cold version.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
10 minutes
TIPS
- Use Fresh Or Frozen Corn: For extra sweetness and texture, use fresh grilled corn or defrosted frozen kernels instead of canned.
- Chill For Salad: This pasta is delicious and served cold as a pasta salad, which is great for packed lunches or outdoor meals.
- Batch Prep: Cook a large portion of pasta and portion out ingredients separately to make fresh bowls throughout the week.
- Control Spice Level: Adjust the salsa heat level to match your spice preference. You can also add chilli flakes or jalapeño for an extra kick.
VARIATIONS
- Grain Swap: Replace pasta with quinoa or brown rice for a gluten-free alternative.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled tofu cubes or tempeh slices to increase protein content.
- Creamy Dressing: Mix in 1 tbsp vegan yoghurt or tahini for a creamier dressing consistency.
- Veggie Additions: Include bell pepper, cherry tomatoes or shredded lettuce for added crunch and colour.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Meal Prep: Keep avocado and coriander separate until serving to prevent browning and sogginess.
- Freezing: Not suitable for freezing due to the texture of avocado and pasta.
- Reheating: Enjoy chilled or gently reheat in a microwave-safe bowl if preferred warm.