Description
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef, , pasta, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a tangy barbecue and ranch-style dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a main course meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble when cooled.
- In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drain excess fat and let the beef cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, crumbled bacon, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option.
- Make it spicy by adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- This salad can be made a day ahead for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
