Cowboy Pasta Salad
35 min
|
easy
|
Mediterranean diet
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 min | 15 min | 35 min |
Introduction
This cowboy pasta salad is hearty, bold, and packed with smoky barbecue flavor in every bite.
Loaded with seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, black beans, and a creamy BBQ-lime dressing, it eats like a full meal.
It’s perfect for potlucks, game day spreads, or an easy make-ahead weeknight dinner.
Ingredients (6 servings)
Ingredients for the Pasta Salad
Ingredients for the Dressing
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How to Make Cowboy Pasta Salad
-
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Add the rotini and cook until just al dente, following the package directions.
Drain the pasta, rinse under cool water, and set aside to cool completely.
-
Brown the beef
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink.
Season with the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then cook one more minute to bloom the spices.
Drain off any excess fat and let the beef cool to room temperature.
-
Prep the veggies
Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the green bell pepper, and finely dice the red onion.
Rinse and drain the black beans, and drain the canned corn very well.
Chop the fresh cilantro, measuring out two tablespoons for the salad.
-
Mix the dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, lime juice, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
Season with the salt and pepper, then taste and adjust lime or BBQ sauce as you like.
-
Assemble the salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooled ground beef, tomatoes, corn, black beans, bell pepper, and red onion.
Add the chopped cilantro and drizzle the dressing over the top.
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated and the ingredients look well distributed.
-
Chill and serve
Cover the bowl and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
Give the salad a quick toss before serving and garnish with extra cilantro if you like.
Substitutions
- Ground beef -> ground turkey
- Use lean ground turkey and cook it the same way; the salad tastes lighter but still hearty.
- Mayonnaise -> Greek yogurt
- Swap half or all of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt for more tang and extra protein.
- Ground beef -> extra beans or meatless crumbles
- Skip the beef and add another three quarters cup of black beans or plant-based meatless crumbles. The salad becomes fully vegetarian but still has plenty of texture and satisfying smoky flavor.
Tips
- Cool the pasta and beef fully
- If either is warm, the dressing can separate and soak in too much, making the salad heavy.
- Salt your pasta water well
- Generously salted water is your chance to season the pasta itself, which keeps the flavors balanced later.
- Chop everything fairly small
- Bite-size pieces of vegetables and beef give you a little of everything in every forkful.
- Adjust the dressing thickness
- If the salad looks dry after chilling, stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or a splash of water.
- Make it ahead smartly
- For the best texture, chill the salad, then let it sit at room temperature for ten minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 563 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 23 | g |
| Total Fat | 31 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 19 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Can I serve this cowboy pasta salad warm instead of chilled?
- Yes, you can serve it slightly warm, but avoid adding the dressing to very hot ingredients. Let the pasta and beef cool until just warm, then toss everything together and serve right away.
- How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
- Stored in an airtight container, leftovers keep well for about three days in the refrigerator. Stir before serving and refresh with a small spoonful of mayonnaise if it seems dry.
- What if the salad tastes too spicy or too smoky?
- Add a bit more mayonnaise and a small pinch of sugar to soften the smoky, spicy flavors. You can also stir in a little extra corn or pasta to mellow everything out.
- Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?
- Yes, any short, ridged pasta like fusilli, penne, or shells will hold the dressing nicely. Avoid very smooth shapes since the dressing and smaller mix-ins can slide right off.
- Can I freeze cowboy pasta salad?
- Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise dressing and vegetables do not thaw with a good texture. Make only what you need, or share extras with friends within a couple of days.
Serving Suggestions
This cowboy pasta salad loves bold toppings like crushed tortilla chips or pickled jalapenos for extra crunch and zing.
Pair it with grilled chicken, burgers, or veggie kabobs for an easy cookout spread that feels fun and filling.
For a little twist, fold in diced avocado right before serving for creamy bites that balance the smoky BBQ dressing.
More pairings:
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