This Cowboy Pasta Salad is a fun and colorful dish perfect for summer picnics! It features pasta, sweet corn, tomatoes, black beans, and spicy ranch dressing for that kick!
What I love about this salad is how refreshing it is! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a go-to for BBQs. Just mix, chill, and enjoy every tasty bite with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: Farfalle is great for this dish, but any pasta shape you enjoy works well. Try rotini or penne for a fun twist!
Ground Beef: If you want a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead. For a vegetarian version, substitute with black beans or lentils.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add freshness, but you can use diced regular tomatoes or sliced bell peppers for a colorful change. Just make sure they are firm to avoid sogginess.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar is tasty, you can swap it for pepper jack for extra heat or a milder cheese like Monterey Jack.
Bacon: Crumbled turkey or beef bacon is a good substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Alternatively, you can skip it for a vegetarian version.
How Do I Get My Pasta Salad to Taste Amazing?
Getting the flavor just right in your pasta salad can make all the difference! Here are some tips:
- Rinse the pasta after cooking to stop the cooking process and avoid clumping.
- Season the ground beef well with taco seasoning; this gives depth to your salad.
- Don’t skip chilling the salad! Letting it sit for 30 minutes lets the flavors meld together wonderfully.
Tasting and adjusting seasoning before serving is a must—add a pinch of salt or extra ranch dressing if needed.
Easy Cowboy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup yellow corn kernels (fresh, frozen thawed, or canned)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cowboy Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and needs at least 30 minutes to chill in the fridge for the best flavor. So, you’ll be enjoying this delightful dish in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, so it’s firm but cooked through. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess fat once it’s cooked. This will keep your salad from being greasy!
3. Season the Beef:
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef while it’s still warm, stirring well to combine. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, seasoned ground beef, halved cherry tomatoes, diced sharp cheddar cheese, black beans, corn kernels, chopped green onions, and half of the chopped cilantro.
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the ranch dressing over the salad mix and gently toss everything together until it’s well coated. Be careful not to mash the ingredients!
6. Add the Bacon:
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top and give the salad another gentle mix. This adds an amazing crunch and flavor!
7. Season and Garnish:
At this point, taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Then, garnish the top with the remaining chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
8. Chill and Serve:
Cover your salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together beautifully. The salad is best enjoyed cold!
Now you’re ready to serve up this delightful, hearty, and colorful Cowboy Pasta Salad at your summer gathering. Enjoy every tasty bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and bacon, and replace them with extra beans or roasted vegetables for protein and texture. You can also add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If ranch dressing isn’t your thing, you can use a creamy vinaigrette, homemade yogurt dressing, or even a zesty Italian dressing. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste preference!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cowboy Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a little more dressing before serving leftovers.
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Definitely! While bowtie pasta (farfalle) works great, you can use any pasta shape you like. Rotini, penne, or even whole wheat pasta are excellent alternatives!
