Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe
If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant, and seriously satisfying dish that packs a nutritious punch, my ta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing is about to become your newest obsession. This pasta salad pulls together tender rotini, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and crisp spinach, all tossed in a zesty, creamy lime Greek yogurt dressing and crowned with aromatic cilantro. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or anytime you crave something bold, bright, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing is all about simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Every ingredient plays its own delicious role — from fresh spinach adding crunch and color, to the Greek yogurt lending tangy creaminess.
- Rotini pasta: The corkscrew shape soaks up all the creamy dressing and holds the mix-ins perfectly. Any other short pasta works too!
- Black beans: Drained and rinsed, these bring protein, fiber, and an earthy bite that balances the salad.
- Canned corn: Sweet, juicy kernels that add pops of color and texture with every forkful.
- Fresh spinach: Roughly chopped leaves give the salad a vibrant green that tastes (and looks) oh-so fresh.
- Fresh cilantro: Finely chopped for a fresh, herbal kick that ties everything together.
- Full fat plain Greek yogurt: This creates a luscious, tangy base for our limey dressing—so much better than mayo!
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps the dressing coat the salad beautifully.
- Minced garlic: Just the right amount of punch for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Cumin: Warm, earthy, and absolutely essential for that irresistible southwestern touch.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that’s perfect with the lime and creamy yogurt.
- Sugar: A little sweetness to balance the zesty lime and tangy yogurt.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors forward. Don’t skip—it really makes a difference!
- Limes: Fresh-squeezed juice is non-negotiable for a bright, citrusy lift in every bite.
How to Make Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook it according to the package instructions, making sure it’s al dente. Once the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander, rinse thoroughly with cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking, and let it drain well. Cool, springy pasta is the perfect backbone for this Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing.
Step 2: Whip Up the Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, sugar, salt, and—most importantly—the fresh juice from two limes. Stir everything until the dressing is creamy, smooth, and smells like summer in a bowl. This dreamy dressing is what makes Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing so craveable.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Add your cooked and cooled pasta straight to the bowl with the dressing. Toss in the drained black beans, sweet corn, fresh spinach, and chopped cilantro. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix everything together until all the goodies are evenly coated with that zesty yogurt dressing. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or lime juice until it’s absolutely perfect for you.
Step 4: Chill or Serve Right Away
You get to choose—serve your Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing immediately if you can’t wait to dig in, or let it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours for extra flavor melding and a refreshing bite. Either way, each forkful is bursting with color and flavor!
How to Serve Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing

Garnishes
This salad is even better with a few finishing touches. Sprinkle some extra fresh cilantro on top or add a handful of thinly sliced green onions. A little crumbled queso fresco or a lime wedge on the side adds flair and even more bursty flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing alongside grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or even a juicy steak for a complete meal. It’s also fabulous next to crunchy tortilla chips or as a fresh counterpoint to spicy chili or barbecue.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the salad into colorful bowls or mason jars for a picnic-ready lunch. For parties, present it in a big platter with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. You can even serve it inside crunchy lettuce cups for a fun, handheld twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any extra Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and zippy for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead lunch or quick snack option for busy weeks.
Freezing
While you can freeze the plain cooked pasta, this salad as a whole isn’t ideal for freezing, as the creamy Greek yogurt dressing and spinach can lose their texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or straight from the fridge.
Reheating
This salad truly shines when it’s cold or at room temperature. If you want to serve it warm, only gently heat the pasta and beans before combining with the rest of the ingredients—but honestly, this is one dish where chilling is part of the charm!
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta shape like penne, farfalle, or shells works beautifully—the key is using a shape that holds the creamy dressing and tasty mix-ins.
Can I make Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing vegan?
Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite unsweetened, non-dairy yogurt for a vegan twist. Everything else in the salad is totally plant-based already.
Is it okay to add extra vegetables?
Go for it! Chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or diced avocado are all awesome additions that make the salad even more colorful and nutritious.
Can I prepare the salad a day in advance?
Definitely—this Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing actually gets better as the flavors mingle in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving and add a fresh squeeze of lime if you’d like.
What can I substitute for cilantro if I don’t like it?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try substituting with fresh parsley or even a little bit of chopped green onions for an herby punch that’s still delicious.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing enough—whether you need a quick weekday lunch, a show-stopping side for your next party, or a just-because bowl of something vibrant and nourishing. Give it a try and let every bite remind you how flavorful and fun healthy food can be!
PrintBlack Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe
This Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad with Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal. The zesty lime dressing pairs perfectly with the hearty black beans and sweet corn, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 16 oz rotini pasta (or any short noodle pasta)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (11 oz) corn (drained)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
Lime Greek Yogurt Dressing:
- 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 limes (juiced)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water and cook pasta. Rinse and drain.
- Prepare the Dressing: Mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, sugar, salt, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, black beans, corn, spinach, and cilantro with the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
- Serve: Serve immediately or chill before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can add diced tomatoes or avocado for extra freshness.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Black Bean, Corn, Pasta Salad, Lime, Greek Yogurt Dressing, Vegetarian