If you’re on the hunt for a satisfyingly fresh meal that ticks all the boxes—quick, easy, packed with protein, and full of bold flavor—look no further than this Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing. This irresistible combo is colorful, creamy, and utterly crave-worthy, bursting with Tex Mex vibes and making every bite a celebration. Ideal for everything from meal prep to potlocks, ssing is a quick and easy protein-packed superstar whether you’re vegetarian or just need a fabulous break from meat.

ssing is a quick and easy protein-packed Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for a line-up of simple but mighty ingredients! Each element in this recipe contributes something special—think velvety beans, crisp greens, and that zesty, tangy Greek yogurt dressing—all working in perfect harmony to create a vibrant, balanced bowl.

Pasta: Short noodles like rotini are perfect for holding onto the lush dressing and veggie bits in every bite.
Black Beans: Loaded with plant-based protein, these bring a creamy texture and earthy flavor.
Canned Corn: Adds pops of sweet crunch that pair beautifully with the savory beans and tangy dressing.
Fresh Spinach: Roughly chopped, spinach lends a boost of green goodness and a soft bite.
Cilantro: Fresh, finely chopped cilantro infuses the salad with a punchy, herby aroma.
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat plain Greek yogurt is the luscious, tangy base of our ssing is a quick and easy protein-packed dressing.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps bring the dressing together with silkiness.
Minced Garlic: Just a bit gives a beautiful aromatic kick—no bland salads here!
Cumin: This warm spice adds signature Tex Mex depth to every mouthful.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a gentle smoky complexity to the dressing.
Sugar: Balances the tang and spice, creating harmony in the flavors.
Salt: Essential for pulling all those big flavors together.
Limes: Fresh-squeezed juice makes the whole salad taste sunshiny and bright.
Mayonnaise (optional): Add if you prefer a creamier, richer dressing that clings even after a day or two.

How to Make ssing is a quick and easy protein-packed

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first: bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and toss in your favorite short pasta. Cook it according to package instructions, aiming for a pleasant al dente texture that won’t get mushy when mixed. Once it’s perfect, move it to a strainer, rinse with cool water to stop the cooking, and drain thoroughly. This quick chill is key—no hot pasta to wilt those lovely greens!

Step 2: Make the Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing

Grab a big mixing bowl and add the Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, sugar, and salt. Squeeze in the juice of two whole limes for zippy freshness—don’t be shy! Whisk everything together until it’s luxuriously smooth. If you like a richer, clingier dressing, stir in the optional mayo. This ssing is a quick and easy protein-packed base that refuses to be boring.

Step 3: Mix Together the Salad

To your bowl of glorious dressing, add the cooked and cooled pasta, black beans, drained corn, roughly chopped spinach, and that vibrant fresh cilantro. Stir everything gently, ensuring that every twist, kernel, and leaf is coated. Taste a spoonful—adjust salt or lime if needed, and sneak another bite for good measure!

Step 4: Chill or Serve Right Away

Here’s where you get to choose: serve this beauty right away for a refreshing lunch, or pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours to let the flavors get extra cozy together. Either way, you’ll love how ssing is a quick and easy protein-packed dish turns out cool, zippy, and outrageously tasty.

How to Serve ssing is a quick and easy protein-packed

Garnishes

Sprinkle some extra finely chopped cilantro, a handful of crumbled cotija cheese, or a few slices of fresh jalapeño over the top for color and a fresh flavor boost. A final squeeze of lime just before serving takes the brightness up a notch and looks beautiful at a picnic or potluck.

Side Dishes

Pair your pasta salad with crispy tortilla chips, grilled chicken or tofu if you like, or just a juicy wedge of watermelon for a summer feast. This ssing is a quick and easy protein-packed salad plays well with everything from roasted veggies to a bowl of vibrant gazpacho.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the salad into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held snack, or serve it in hollowed-out bell peppers for an eye-catching, edible bowl. Need an easy lunch? Pile it into a mason jar—dressing on the bottom, layers of salad on top—and shake everything up on the go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it a fabulous grab-and-go lunch or next-day snack. Ssing is a quick and easy protein-packed salads like this hold up beautifully for up to three days.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for this particular salad, since the pasta and spinach can become mushy and the creamy dressing may separate once thawed. For freshest results, stick to storing in the fridge for short-term enjoyment and assemble fresh when you need more.

Reheating

No need to reheat! This salad is at its best served chilled or at room temperature. If you want to refresh it after storing, add a little extra Greek yogurt or mayo and a spritz of lime juice to wake up the flavors just before diving in.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta—like fusilli, penne, or farfalle—works beautifully in this ssing is a quick and easy protein-packed salad. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.

Is there a vegan substitute for the Greek yogurt?

Yes! Opt for a thick, non-dairy yogurt (like coconut or almond milk yogurt) to keep the dressing creamy and the salad vegan while still making sure ssing is a quick and easy protein-packed.

What can I add for extra crunch?

Try diced red bell peppers, chopped cucumbers, or even sunflower seeds. They add extra texture and make the salad even more exciting without taking away from the quick and easy protein-packed goodness.

Will the dressing get absorbed by the pasta?

A little! This is natural with lighter dressings. If you’re making it ahead or love extra creaminess, add about half a cup of mayonnaise to prevent the dressing from soaking in too quickly and keep ssing a quick and easy protein-packed salad moist longer.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Yes! It’s a meal-prep hero. Assemble up to a day in advance and store covered in the fridge; wait until just before serving to sprinkle on your garnishes for the freshest look and best possible flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing truly proves ssing is a quick and easy protein-packed recipe can be as fun as it is nourishing. I can’t wait for you to dig into this bowl of sunshine—so go on, give it a whirl and make every lunch or gathering a little brighter!