This Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad is a tasty dish full of colorful veggies, beans, and pasta, all tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl!
I love making this salad for BBQs or potlucks—it’s simple to prepare and everyone goes for seconds. Plus, it keeps well, so leftovers are a win! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Bowtie pasta is fun and holds dressings well. You can swap it for any short pasta you like, such as penne or fusilli. If gluten-free, try chickpea or quinoa pasta for a healthier twist.
Ground Meat: Ground beef adds rich flavor, but ground turkey is a leaner option. If you’re vegetarian, chickpeas or lentils work great as substitutes, adding protein without meat.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add a burst of freshness. If they aren’t in season, any diced tomatoes can work, but consider adding them less for a sweeter taste. You can use roasted bell peppers for a smoky flavor instead.
Cilantro: This herb adds brightness, but I know it can be a love-it-or-hate-it choice. If you’re not a fan, parsley or fresh dill can be someone to step in instead, offering their own unique taste.
How Do I Get My Pasta Salad Flavorful?
To make sure your Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad is full of flavor, focus on these key steps.
- Use a good balance of dressings. The combination of mayonnaise and ranch dressing gives a creamy base, while BBQ sauce adds a hint of sweetness. Adjust to your taste!
- Don’t skip the chilling step! This helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Let it sit for at least an hour before serving, or even overnight if you can wait.
- Toss the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crunchy. A final sprinkle of fresh herbs or green onions adds a pretty touch and boosts flavor!
With these insights, you’ll create a Cowboy Pasta Salad that’s not just easy but also full of flavor. Enjoy!
Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen thawed, or canned)
- 4 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep and cooking time, plus an additional hour for chilling. So, in just around 1 hour and 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and refreshing pasta salad ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water and cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside for later.
2. Brown the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking, then let it cool for a bit.
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
Grab a large mixing bowl and add together the cooled pasta, cooked meat, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Give it a nice stir to mix everything evenly.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until everything is smooth and well combined.
5. Mix the Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together. Make sure all the ingredients are nicely coated with the dressing.
6. Chill Out:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling time helps all the flavors blend together and makes for a tastier salad!
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss again. You can also garnish with additional cilantro or green onions if you’d like for added freshness!
Enjoy your vibrant, hearty Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings or any casual meal! It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is recommended for its fun shape and texture, you can substitute it with any short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli. For a gluten-free option, try chickpea or quinoa pasta.
How Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef or turkey and use additional black beans or chickpeas for protein. You can also add more colorful veggies like bell peppers or avocado for extra texture and flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle toss before serving again, as the dressing may settle.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, this pasta salad is great for making ahead! It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or even overnight, as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to keep it in the fridge until ready to serve.
