Cowboy Pasta Salad

Name: Cowboy Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta); 1 lb ground beef; 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 avocado, diced; ½ red onion, diced; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Isabella

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Looking for a dish that combines robust flavors and satisfying textures? Cowboy Pasta Salad is the answer! This hearty pasta salad features ground beef, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy southwestern dressing, making it perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a filling side dish. Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe!

Ingredients:

12 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta)

1 lb ground beef

6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

½ red onion, diced

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

1 avocado, diced

For the Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup sour cream

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and allow the beef to cool.

Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, taco seasoning, and hot sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, cheddar cheese, diced avocado, and red onion.

Add the Dressing:
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Serve:
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold and enjoy!

Serving Tips:

Chill Before Serving: To ensure the best flavor and texture, chill the Cowboy Pasta Salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad refreshing and cool.

Garnish: Just before serving, garnish with additional fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese or a few more crumbled bacon pieces for added texture.

Portioning: Use a large serving bowl for gatherings or potlucks, and provide a large spoon or tongs for easy serving. If serving as a main dish, consider smaller bowls for individual portions.

Pairing: This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, like BBQ ribs or chicken, and complements a variety of other side dishes. For a complete meal, serve with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftover Cowboy Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If the salad has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it should be discarded for food safety reasons.

Avoid Overmixing: When storing leftovers, try to avoid overmixing the salad, as this can break down the ingredients and affect the texture. Simply toss gently when ready to serve again.

Freshening Up: If the salad seems a bit dry after refrigeration, you can add a small amount of extra dressing or a splash of lime juice to refresh it before serving.

Freezing: Cowboy Pasta Salad is not ideal for freezing due to the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables. Freezing can alter the texture and flavor of the salad, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation.

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FAQs:

Can I make Cowboy Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, Cowboy Pasta Salad can be made ahead of time. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Chilling the salad before serving enhances the flavors and allows the ingredients to meld together. Just be sure to give it a gentle toss before serving and consider adding a bit more dressing if needed.

What can I use instead of rotini pasta?

If you don’t have rotini pasta on hand, you can substitute it with other types of pasta such as penne, farfalle (bowtie), or elbow macaroni. The key is to use a pasta shape that holds up well in salads and provides a good base for the other ingredients and dressing.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make Cowboy Pasta Salad vegetarian. Simply omit the ground beef and bacon. You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Consider using a vegetarian-friendly cheese and adjust the dressing ingredients to ensure it’s suitable for a vegetarian diet.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, follow these tips:

Cook al dente: Cook the pasta until it’s just tender with a slight bite, as it will absorb some of the dressing and continue to soften slightly after mixing.

Rinse with cold water: After draining the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.

Don’t overmix: Gently toss the pasta with the other ingredients and dressing to avoid breaking it down and making it mushy.

Conclusion:

Cowboy Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser that combines a variety of flavors and textures in every bite. Its creamy dressing and hearty ingredients make it a great choice for any occasion. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish at your next event!

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