Cowboy Pasta Salad

Step 1

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette.

Step 2

Finely grate 3 garlic cloves and the zest from 3 medium limes (about 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons) into a small bowl or jar. Juice the limes until you have 1/4 cup and add to the jar. Add 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Seal the jar and shake well to combine and emulsify, or whisk if using a bowl.

Step 3

Transfer about half of the vinaigrette (about 1/3 cup) to a large bowl; reserve the remaining vinaigrette for serving. Dice 1/2 medium red onion (about 3/4 cup). Add to the bowl and stir to break apart the layers and coat with the vinaigrette.

Step 4

Add 12 ounces dried farfalle pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, 11 to 13 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the following, adding each to the vinaigrette in the large bowl as it is completed: Halve 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes. Core, seed, and dice 1 medium orange bell pepper (about 1 1/4 cups). Seed and mince 1 medium jalapeño pepper (about 2 tablespoons). Drain and rinse 1 (about 15-ounce) can black-eyed peas and 1 (about 15-ounce) can black beans. Add 1 1/2 cups fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels. Stir to coat with the dressing.

Step 5

When the pasta is ready, drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Drain well. Add the pasta to the bowl and toss to coat. When ready to serve, coarsely chop 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro or parsley leaves until you have 1/4 cup. Add the herbs and reserved vinaigrette to the salad, and toss to coat. Taste and season with more kosher salt as needed.