Description
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful American dish perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks. Featuring tender rotini pasta, savory ground beef seasoned with chili powder and cumin, fresh vegetables like corn, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and onions, this salad is tossed in a tangy ranch and barbecue sauce dressing for a smoky, creamy finish. Ideal for those who enjoy a protein-packed pasta salad with a southwestern twist.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1/2 pound ground beef
Spices
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned or thawed from frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Cheese and Dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Season it with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease and allow the meat to cool slightly.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked and cooled rotini pasta, cooled ground beef, corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, rinsed black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss these ingredients to mix well.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and barbecue sauce until smooth and combined. This dressing adds a creamy and smoky flavor to the salad.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad bowl. Toss the salad thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
- Serve: After chilling, give the salad a final toss and serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a leaner protein, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the ground beef completely or use a plant-based protein alternative.
- Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- This salad holds well for potlucks and can be prepared a few hours ahead of serving.
