Cowboy Pasta Salad
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty, protein-packed salad inspired by bold Southwestern flavors. It combines pasta, seasoned beef, beans, corn, cheese, and a creamy BBQ-ranch style dressing. This dish works perfectly as a main meal, picnic salad, or meal-prep lunch because it’s filling and full of flavor.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Pasta & Salad
3 cups rotini or penne pasta
1 cup ground beef (cooked)
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed
1 cup sweet corn kernels
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
½ cup green bell pepper, diced
¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro
Dressing
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tbsp BBQ sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef
In a skillet cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Drain excess fat and let cool.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing
In a bowl whisk together:
mayonnaise
Greek yogurt
BBQ sauce
lime juice
garlic powder
paprika
until smooth.
4️⃣ Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl combine:
pasta
cooked beef
black beans
corn
tomatoes
onion
bell pepper
cheese
Pour dressing over everything and toss well.
5️⃣ Chill
Refrigerate for 30 minutes so flavors blend.
Tips
✔ Add avocado cubes just before serving for creaminess.
✔ Replace beef with grilled chicken for a lighter version.
✔ For extra crunch add crushed tortilla chips on top.
Frequently asked questions FAQ
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, skip the beef and add extra beans or chickpeas.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I make it healthier?
Use whole-wheat pasta and light Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
Nutrition information
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Carbs: 36 g
Fat: 21 g
Fiber: 6 g