🥙 Cowboy Pasta Salad
Flavor-packed Tex-Mex pasta salad loaded with seasoned beef, beans, corn, cheddar, bacon, and a tangy BBQ-mayo dressing. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a hearty weeknight meal.
⏱ Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 30 min
🍴 Serves: 6
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🛒 Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 cup corn kernels (canned or thawed frozen)
15 oz (425 g) black beans, rinsed & drained
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, finely diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sliced pickled jalapeños (optional, for heat)
4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
For the Dressing
¾ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp barbecue sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
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👩🍳 Directions
1️⃣ Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt & pepper. Cook until beef is cooked through; drain excess fat.
3️⃣ In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, seasoned beef, corn, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, cheddar, jalapeños (if using), and bacon.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce (optional), salt & pepper.
5️⃣ Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
6️⃣ Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or cilantro right before serving.
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If you're looking to add an exciting twist to your traditional pasta salad, this Cowboy Pasta Salad is a fantastic choice that brings bold Tex-Mex flavors to the table. The combination of seasoned ground beef with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder imbues the dish with a smoky depth, while the addition of creamy cheddar cheese and crispy bacon provides savory layers of texture and taste. To enhance the freshness and balance the richness, ingredients like black beans, corn, grape tomatoes, and red onion add vibrant color and a variety of flavors from sweet to tangy. The optional sliced pickled jalapeños offer a perfect spicy kick for those who enjoy extra heat. The unique feature of this salad is the BBQ-mayo dressing, which blends mayonnaise with barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a splash of hot sauce. This tangy and lightly smoky dressing perfectly coats the pasta and other ingredients, making every bite deliciously cohesive. Prep takes about 15 minutes, with a total time of 30 minutes including cooking the pasta and beef. Once mixed, chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a hearty and refreshing dish. For serving, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro to add a hint of herbal brightness that complements the dish's boldness. This salad works wonderfully for summer BBQs, large potlucks, or even as a filling weeknight meal that can easily be made ahead of time. For variation, consider swapping rotini pasta with other shapes like bowtie or penne, or try adding avocado chunks for an extra creamy texture. You can also experiment by substituting ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative to suit various dietary preferences. Incorporating this Cowboy Pasta Salad into your meal rotation provides an authentic and flavorful Tex-Mex experience that’s both satisfying and versatile, appealing to the entire family and guests alike.