Description
This Cowboy Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that brings bold flavors and hearty ingredients together in one irresistible bowl. Perfect as a quick dinner, easy recipe for potlucks, or even a satisfying lunch, it combines creamy dressing, tender pasta, smoky bacon, and fresh vegetables for a balanced bite every time. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, food ideas, or a make-ahead easy recipe, this dish delivers.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 pound ground beef
6 slices bacon
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup sweet corn
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook pasta until al dente, drain and cool
2. Brown ground beef and let cool
3. Cook bacon until crispy and crumble
4. Prepare vegetables and drain beans and corn
5. Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth
6. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl
7. Mix until evenly coated
8. Chill for 1-2 hours before serving
9. Stir and adjust consistency if needed
Notes
Let ingredients cool before mixing to avoid oily dressing
Chill for several hours or overnight for best flavor
Add a splash of milk or mayo before serving if needed
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg