Description
Hearty cowboy pasta salad delivers southwestern flair with bold flavors and colorful ingredients. Ranch dressing and crispy bacon bring zesty charm that makes this dish a crowd-pleasing summer sensation you’ll crave at potlucks and backyard gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) box bow tie pasta
- 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
Seasoning:
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
Instructions
- Boil bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and let cool completely at room temperature.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and sprinkle taco seasoning, stirring to coat thoroughly.
- Crisp bacon in a separate pan until golden and crunchy, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine cooled pasta, seasoned beef, crumbled bacon, corn kernels, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped scallions, and shredded cheddar cheese in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Whisk mayonnaise, tangy barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over pasta mixture, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Refrigerate salad for minimum 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating a harmonious taste profile.
- Remove from refrigerator, give a final gentle stir, and serve chilled for maximum flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- Customize the pasta type to suit gluten-free needs by using alternative pasta made from chickpea, quinoa, or rice flour.
- Balance the protein levels by substituting ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner option.
- Enhance the freshness by adding diced bell peppers or chopped cilantro for extra crunch and vibrant flavor.
- Reduce sodium content by selecting low-sodium taco seasoning and using a homemade spice blend to control salt levels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 542 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg