Saddle up for bold, unforgettable flavor with our Cowboy Pasta Salad – a hearty, zesty mix of veggies, pasta, and smoky goodness in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cowboy Pasta Salad is not your average pasta salad—it’s filling, flavorful, and fun to make. Here’s why it stands out:
- Hearty And Satisfying: Loaded with beef, beans, and cheese
- Flavor-Packed: The BBQ ranch dressing brings a tangy, smoky kick
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling
- Colorful And Crunchy: A mix of veggies gives it great texture
- Versatile: Serve warm, cold, or at room temperature
- Perfect For Gatherings: Always a hit at barbecues and parties
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (canned or thawed frozen)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
- ⅓ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chili powder, salt, and pepper until browned. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cooked beef, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, green bell pepper, red onion, green onions, and cheddar cheese
- In a separate bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and ranch dressing until smooth
- Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor. Garnish with extra green onions or cheese if desired
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories Per Serving: Approximately 490 kcal
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce
- Turkey Version: Use ground turkey for a lighter option
- Vegetarian: Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or skip it altogether
- Tex-Mex Style: Add avocado, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips
- Creamier Option: Use more ranch or add a spoonful of sour cream
- Extra Crunch: Mix in chopped celery or radishes for added texture
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Best served cold or at room temperature. If desired warm, microwave individual portions briefly
- Make-Ahead Tip: Mix all components except dressing and combine just before serving to keep it fresh
FAQs
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight
Can I Use A Different Type Of Pasta?
Absolutely—penne, fusilli, or farfalle work great too
What Kind Of BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
Use your favorite—smoky, sweet, or spicy all work depending on your taste
Can I Make It Without Ranch Dressing?
You can substitute with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy chipotle dressing
Is This Salad Served Cold Or Warm?
It’s usually served cold or at room temperature, but can also be enjoyed warm
Can I Use Leftover Taco Meat?
Yes, leftover seasoned beef makes this even quicker to assemble
Can I Add Pasta Water To The Dressing?
No need—it’s best to keep the dressing thick so it coats everything well
What Cheese Works Best?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend also work nicely
Is This Gluten-Free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauces are gluten-free for a safe version
How Long Does It Keep In The Fridge?
Up to 3 days when stored properly in a sealed container
Conclusion
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a bold, delicious twist on traditional pasta salad that brings together the smoky flavor of BBQ, the richness of beef, and the crisp freshness of vegetables in every bite. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying—it’s a must-have for your summer spread or weekday menu.
Print
Cowboy Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Saddle up for bold, unforgettable flavor with our Cowboy Pasta Salad – a hearty, zesty mix of veggies, pasta, and smoky goodness in every bite!
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (canned or thawed frozen)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
- ⅓ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chili powder, salt, and pepper until browned. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cooked beef, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, green bell pepper, red onion, green onions, and cheddar cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and ranch dressing until smooth.
- Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor. Garnish with extra green onions or cheese if desired.
Notes
- Can be made a day ahead; flavors develop more overnight.
- Use ground turkey or plant-based meat as a lighter alternative.
- Great for potlucks and outdoor gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southwestern