Cowboy Pasta Salad
A hearty and flavorful pasta salad packed with Southwest-inspired ingredients, perfect for summer barbecues and picnic gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 cup cooked and diced chicken breast
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, diced chicken breast, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, green onions, shredded cheddar, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing and barbecue sauce until smooth.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
For extra smoky flavor, try adding a splash of chipotle hot sauce or serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side.
Find it online: https://justflowe.com/cowboy-pasta-salad/